234 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



found nesting in many States, and it is highly probable that 

 it breeds wherever found. 



In Eastern Pennsylvania, it appears rather plentiful during 

 some seasons, but, at other times, there is a marked dim- 

 inution in numbers. Farther to the west it occurs in much 

 greater numbers. It is exceedingly bold and daring, and 

 often ventures upon forbidden grounds, much to the annov- 

 ance of the husbandman, who is its bitterest enemy. When in 

 pursuit of prev. it heeds not the hitter's presence, and will 

 even pounce upon a fine cock, utterly unmindful of the im- 

 pending doom which surely awaits it. Next to farm-lands, 

 it regards with particular favor, high open woods, and the 

 borders of dense thickets. It is seldom found in dense woods 

 with a thick growth of underbrush, on account of the evident 

 disadvantages which it there meets with. During the au- 

 tumnal and winter months it leads a solitary existence. The 

 sexes manifest but little regard for each other. When by 



O 



accident they meet in the same neighborhood, there is man- 

 ifestly no disposition to associate, as likewise there is no 

 inclination to do each other harm. Birds of prey of specific 

 differences, however, are not permitted to come within its 

 territory, if of inferior size, without receiving a severe rebuke 

 for their temerity. Unlike the Harrier, this species disdains 

 ignoble pursuits, seldom visiting low humid grounds in quest 

 of the grovelling beings which inhabit such unpretending 

 situations. 



The flight of this species is rapid, uniform, and quite 

 protracted. Sometimes it skims over the surfaces of fields 

 scarcely above the fences, and, in the next moment, may be 

 seen careering aloft above the highest trees of the forest. 

 It moves along in a quiet, gliding manner, with a swiftness 

 quite remarkable, and is seldom observed to deviate from a 

 straight tack, save to seize a victim that crosses its path. 

 The peculiar circular movements which the Broad-winged 

 Hawk and some other species possess in a pre-eminent 

 degree, are notably wanting. 



