OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. -2(5!) 



loud note of recognition, which sounds like ke'-ou* repeated 

 several times in rapid succession. 



The food of this species consists of small birds, small 

 quadrupeds, reptiles and insects. The following list em- 

 braces a partial inventory of its fare : Sciurus cctrolinensis^ 

 S. hiidsouitts, Tamias striatits* Arvicola Gapperi, Hes- 

 pcromvs Icncoptts* Ortvx virginianus ^ Philohela mi nor ^ 

 Gallinago \\ r ilsonii^ Stitrudla magna^Quiscalus ~cersicolor* 

 Dolichonyx oryzivorus, Mttntts c&rolineitsisi Turdits mi- 

 gratorius* Store ri a Dekayi, Ophibolus cximhts* Riitccnia 

 sirtali-s* CJilorosoma vernal is. Celuta amcena* Cyrto- 

 phy Hits concaves, Phylloptera oblongifolia, and (Edipoda 

 Carolina. 



From what information we can gather, nesting commences 

 during the latter part of April, or the beginning of May. 

 The nest is generally placed at varying heights, in a crotch 

 near to the trunk of a tree. It is composed, externally, of 

 dry sticks, and lined with bark, grasses, and large feathers. 

 Both birds are engaged in its construction, although the 

 principal part of the labor devolves upon the female. The 

 eggs are laid at the rate of one egg per day, on each con- 

 secutive day. The male occasionally relieves the female in 

 the duties of incubation. When with young, the parents 

 are exceedingly irritable, and assail with the most fearless 

 and determined bravery the person who has the hardihood 

 to attempt the desecration of their home. It is rather dan- 

 gerous to hazard the enterprise. 



We have noticed this Hawk in confinement. Unlike 

 HnecLtuS) it is a very disagreeable and surly pet, indignantly 

 resenting the least advances at familiarity, and most sullenly 

 refusing proffered food. It maintains this unenviable dis- 

 position for nearly a week, when being sorely pressed by 

 hunger, and seemingly convinced that escape is hopeless, 

 it ultimately becomes reconciled to its condition, and learns 

 to come at the call of its master, and even to accept food 

 from his hands. In the presence of strangers it manifests 



