OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. ->ti7 



courage which so eminently characterizes the species last 

 described. It seldom captures its prey upon the wing, but 

 rather chooses to swoop down upon it from some tall com- 

 manding eminence. When skimming athwart a meadow 

 or some similar situation, it moves with trifling noise, and 

 when it espies a reptile or a quadruped, pounces down upon 

 it with the fleetness of an arrow, seldom missing its aim, 

 and bears it away to an adjoining tree, where it feasts upon 

 its still quivering flesh with self-complacency. When it 

 visits the farm-yard which it rarely does, there is manifested 

 much of the fearless spirit of lineatus. It comes directly 

 to the spot, and not in a stealthy, circuitous manner 

 after the fashion of borealis, alights upon the summit of a 

 tall tree, singles out its victim, and darts down upon it, 

 bearing it away, even when the proprietor is within easy 

 distance. The coolness and audaciousness of the act for 

 the time being disconcert the actions of the latter, and 

 entirely eclipse his presence of mind. In some districts, 

 young chickens and goslings, are the objects of these visits ; 

 but with us, tame pigeons and the smaller fowls. 



During the cold weather, these Hawks prefer a solitary 

 life. But at the dawn of spring, it is not unusual to observe 

 the sexes together, between whom the utmost good-will 

 exists. Even when the sexes meet during the famine win- 

 ter months, the same harmonious feeling prevails. 



Before their vernal departure, they are often annoyed 

 by the Kingbird, and common Sparrow Hawk, who 

 boldly attack them in all directions, without provoking a 

 spirit of retaliation. From this fact has been inferred the 

 spiritless and pusillanimous disposition which has been 

 imputed to this species. The utter disregard which it 

 manifests towards such comparatively insignificant crea- 

 tures, should not be misconstrued 'into lack of courage. 

 It rather shows the noble character of the bird in not deign- 

 ing to mind such puerile attacks and paltry insults. But, 

 however, these assaults are often prolonged to an indefinite 



