OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 193 



of such resorts, determine in a great measure its strong pre- 

 dilection for such places. 



Like its nearest cousin, it is a somewhat silent feeder, 

 and scarcely utters a single note whilst careering over the 

 meadows for the timid mouse, which constitutes its chief 

 article of luxury. There is a reason for this comparative 

 silence. It is well known that mice possess a remarkable 

 degree of timidity, as well as of caution. The slightest 

 noise, even the rustle of leaves, or the sighing of the wind 

 among the tall grasses, will cause them to shudder and 

 scamper to their burrows. IJow much more terrifying 

 must be the unearthly and lugubrious notes of these birds. 

 The smaller birds are not so much hunted, hence, no ter- 

 rific sounds are necessary to stir them from their perches. 

 During the mating-period, particularly in the night, a few 

 plaintive notes are uttered by the male, which are responded 

 to by the female. ' These notes are intended to summon the 

 sexes together, are never very loud, and are only produced 

 at irregular intervals In addition to these sounds, a hissing 

 sound is made when provoked by human intruders, and also 

 a sharp clicking sound significative of indignation. 



At no period do these birds manifest a feeling of jealousy 

 or hatred towards each other, except when a rival male en- 

 croaches upon forbidden territory with hostile intentions, or 

 impure motives. Outside of the breeding-season this feel- 

 ing is stronger. Birds of different sexes often visit the 

 same meadow, cross and intercross each other's path, and 

 the most perfect good feelings invariably prevail. But let a 

 rival venture upon occupied grounds, while the female is 

 sitting, and he soon regrets his temerity after a severe 

 chastisement. 



Mating sometimes commences during the last w r eek of 

 March, but not usually before the first of April. There is 

 never a change of partners except in cases of death. The 

 time spent in courting scarcely exceeds a day, and is 

 apparently only a renewal of former plighted vows. The 



