OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 24f> 



'Territory and Oregon. Mr. March says it is a permanent 

 resident on the Island of Jamaica, where it has been known 

 to breed. Dr. Brewer docs not think that it breeds in any 

 portion of Massachusetts, nor south of the 44 in New 

 England, unless in mountainous regions. 



In Eastern Pennsylvania, it is tolerably abundant from the 

 rirst of November until about the first of April, when it 

 migrates to its northern habitat for breeding purposes. It 

 has never been observed to breed, although it is probable 

 that it may do so to a slight extent, on the summits of the 

 Blue Mountains, or farther west among the great central 

 ridges, as individuals have been met by us as late as the 

 middle of June. Few species display greater courage and 

 enterprise, for their size, than the one under consideration. 

 It is not necessarily shy, and will suffer a near approach 

 without becoming unduly alarmed. It prefers high 

 wooded lands and waste fields to less quiet retreats ; seldom 

 visiting, until recently, the habitations of man, where it 

 has been attracted by the great abundance of House Spar- 

 rows. The untold mischief which many of its brethren 

 commit about the farm-yard, has brought the whole brother- 

 hood into contempt and disrepute. Even the bold and 

 spirited little fellow before us has been made to suffer for 

 the sins of others, notwithstanding the superior claim which 

 he has upon our mercy and kindness, on account of the 

 manifold good which he accomplishes. Like the Peregrine 

 Falcon, this species prefers a solitary existence, during the 

 dreary winter months, but on the return of spring, just before 

 retiring, individuals of both sexes have been discovered 

 together. It cannot be accused of quarrelling with any of 

 its brethren, even when accidently thrown into their societv : 

 nor does it manifest the least feeling of jealousy or anger 

 when other species of equal size stray into its territory. 

 It is apparently the very impersonation of amiability. 



The flight of this Hawk is very rapid and quite protrac- 

 ted. When shot at and uninjured, it circles above the head 



