268 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



extent, until forbearance is no longer a virtue, when the 

 hitherto patient and magnanimous bird turns upon its wil- 

 ful persecutors, and severely chastises them for their im- 

 prudence and insolence. 



When wounded, and assailed by its cruel and merciless 

 tormenters, it throws itself upon its back, erects its crest - 

 feathers, and with a loud, hissing noise, endeavors to in- 

 timidate them. Failing in this, it defends itself with its 

 talons, fighting with a desperation and determination which 

 should command respect. 



Its flight recalls that of Buteo lineatus. It moves in 

 wide spiral circles, without apparently vibrating the wings. 

 These movements are prolonged at w r ill, and often last foi 

 a considerable time. Their object cannot be the detection 

 of prey, which such great heights would assuredly favor, 

 as it is but seldom that its apparent absorption is broken. 

 even when its most favorite quarry comes in full view. 

 They are purely the results of pleasurable emotions. When 

 weary thereof, it glides earthward with a momentum 

 truly wonderful. But just before it reaches the ground. 

 it checks its velocity with surprising skill, and either 

 skims in almost breathless silence over a low meadow, or 

 retires to some secure and easy perch to rest awhile, or to 

 look for prey. In this position, like liucatits* it occasion- 

 ally expands the wings and flirts the tail almost simultane- 

 ously, then straightens itself up as if preparing for flight. 

 or, to make a lunge upon some moving creature which its 

 keen eye has descried in the grass below, or in a clump of 

 bushes in the near distance. 



When surprised while looking for quarry, it utters a sort 

 of plaintive whistle, as it takes its flight to another tree. 

 Whilst feeding, it maintains the utmost silence, so as not to 

 make its whereabouts known. But when a juicy quail 

 or woodcock has eluded i.ts grasp, a sharp shrill cry. indica- 

 tive of disappointment, is uttered as it resumes its perch. 

 The presence of the female is greeted by the male with a 



