2;>8 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



possession. In these encounters both birds scream most 

 vociferously, which is indicative of their hijjh state of in- 



O 



dignation. 



The food of this species consists principally of small 

 quadrupeds, small birds, and reptiles. A few insects mostly 

 of a coleopterous and orthopterous character, are eaten by 

 way of variety. The following animals constitute its bill of 

 :are : Lepus sylvaticus,L. americanus, Sciurushudsonius^ 

 S. caroUnensis, Tamias striatus, Hesperomys Icncopnx. 

 Arvicola Gapperi, among rodents ; Corvus americanus^ 

 C. ossifragus, Quiscalus versicolor, Ortyx virghiianus. 

 Philohela minor \ Gallinago Wilsonii, Turdus migratori- 

 .'fs. Gallus domesticus, and other birds ; Ophibolus exini- 

 iiis, Storeria Dekayi, Eutcenia sirtalis, etc., among ser- 

 pents ; and Tropidolepi undulatus, among lizards. 

 Among insects, we have detected remains of Lucanus dam a 

 Prionus laticollis, Monohammus titillator, Stenocorus 

 'Putator, Prionus unicolor, Elate r oculatus, Pangus 

 caliginosus, among beetles; and PhyHoptera oblongifoUa. 

 Cyrtophyllus concavus, (Edipoda Carolina, and other or- 

 thoptera. 



Mating commences usually about the middle of March. 

 The males are decidedly more amorous than the females. 

 When the cold weather has disappeared, they care little for 

 appetitive gratification. The passions are now wrought up 

 to a high pitch of excitement. From the summit of a dead 

 tree, or perched upon an exposed twig, they make the coun- 

 try resound with their harsh notes. They do not have long 

 to wait for a reply. After the summons is returned, almost 

 immediately the female responds in person to the cries of 

 her suitor. There is less formality in the courtship of these 

 birds, than in the species l&t-mentioned. The male docs 

 not indulge in excessive rhapsody, but just manifests enough 

 of love to cement a union. The female is apparently cold 

 and passionless. After rearing their young, they separate, 

 and display the most intense hatred toward each other, as 



