18 WEST VIRGINIA [W. VA. 



in one flock, though this species is usually seen flying about in pairs 

 or in flocks of four or five. 



Nest A platform of sticks on stump, tree, or fence. Breeds 

 abundantly in "W. Va. 



Food Insects, grain, and seeds. 



325. Turkey Vulture (Catliartes aura septentrionalis) . One 

 adult. This is the only vulture found in this part of the United 

 States. Commonly called "Turkey Buzzard.'' 



Geog. Dist. Temperate North America. 



W. Va. Dist. Common in central, southern, and eastern West Vir- 

 ginia. During four years residence in the Ohio valley, near Parkers- 

 burg, I did not see a Turkey Vulture. Now becoming much more 

 Tare than formerly in central W. Va. Mr. Brewster, in his "Some 

 Observations on the Birds of Eitchie County, West Virginia" (Ann. 

 Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. 1875, p. 145) gives a very interesting note on 

 the disappearance of these scavenger birds of prey from Eitchie County. 



Nest In hollow stump or on the ground. One to three eggs. I 

 found these birds on the top of Spruce Knob, the highest elevation 

 in the state, in June, 1908, and presume they were breeding there. 



Food Decaying animal matter. 



331. Marsh Hawk (Circus hudsonius). Two specimens, male and 

 female. The observer should notice the white upper tail-coverts 

 which are characteristic of this species. 



Geog. Dist. North America in general. 



W. Va. Dist. Often observed in this state. I have seen a number 

 of specimens taken in various parts of West Virginia. For a W. Va., 

 record, see Fisher's "Hawks and Owls of the United States", p. 31. 



Nest Builds its nest on the ground in marshes. Four to six 

 eggs. 



Food -Mice, shrews, reptiles, small birds, and rarely poultry. 



332. Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipitcr vdox). A pair. A. small 

 swift-winged bird of the woods and open fields. 



Geog. Dist. North America in general. 

 W. Va. Dist. Quite common. 



Nest Builds its nest in trees. I found this species nesting in 

 the Yew Mountains in August, 1904. 



Food Small birds, a few mice and insects. 



