OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 241 



munis of the Eastern Hemisphere. Excepting during the 

 breeding-period, it is a solidary species, spending much of 

 its time in satisfying the demands of a most vigorous appe- 

 tite. It is a bold and spirited bird, and apparently indiffer- 

 ent to the near presence of man, when in quest of food. It 

 manifests a strong partiality for tame pigeons, which it pur- 

 sues to their cotes, even entering in order to secure them, 

 unless prevented by the too near approach of human beings, 

 or the narrowness of the entrance. Young chickens are 

 esteemed a great delicacy 7 , and its visits to the farmyard in 

 rural districts, are made on their behalf. Where these arti- 

 cles are not obtainable, a preference is manifested for streams 

 of water, and ponds which are visited by various water- 

 fowls, and also for high open woods, chiefly of Querctis and 

 Pinits^ and not unfrequently for marshy grounds where it 

 may be seen perched upon a dead branch, quietly surveying 

 the territory in every direction for quarry, which, when it 

 perceives, it darts down upon, with unerring precision. Even 

 our smaller rapacious birds are objects of its vengeance, and 

 do not escape the fate which befalls their humbler brethren. 

 As a proof of its daring, it is often attracted by the report of 

 a gun. and has been observed to swoop down upon his game 

 and bear it off while the sportsman was but a few paces 

 distant. 



The flight of this bird is quite rapid and moderately 

 sustained. It differs somewhat from that of most Hawks, 

 especially in its manner of sailing, which is rarely performed, 

 and generally after some disappointment. On such occa- 

 sions, it rises in a broad spiral circuit, seemingly for the 

 purpose of reconnoitring the surrounding country, and 

 then darts quickly off in search of plunder. When its prey 

 is perceived, with redoubled energy it starts in pursuit, 

 following its every movement with surprising celerity. 



The food of this species consists of small quadrupeds, 

 and birds from the si/e of a Mallard Duck down to our 

 smallest species with whom it is an object of terror, and 

 31 



