OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 271 



the vicinity of Philadelphia. For humid grounds, they 

 evince a decided partiality. Their habits of feeding differ 



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materially from those of other Hawks which we have men- 

 tioned. Notwithstanding their great size and seeming mus- 

 cularity, they possess but little of the dash and spirit of the 

 Falcons, and are quite inferior in this particular to the Buteos. 

 Their quarry, though not lacking variety, is nevertheless hum- 

 ble. They rarely, if ever, desert their favorite haunts for the 

 domains of man. The poultry-yards have nothing to fear 

 from them ; and, although persecuted to the same extent as 

 their more viciously inclined brethren, through the wilful 

 ignorance of man, the manifold good which they accomplish 

 in the destruction of noxious animals, should shield them 

 from his merciless assaults. They appear rather wary, and 

 will not permit too near an approach without changing their 

 quarters. They, however, remove to a short distance, and 

 utter as they do so, a loud squeaking noise, as though indica- 

 tive of anger at being disturbed. In the pursuit of prey, they 

 are rather indisposed to great bodily exertion, but prefer to 

 watch for it from the summit of a low tree close-by, and even 

 do not scruple to conceal themselvcsbehind a tussock of grass, 

 or a fallen log. They remain motionless upon their perch 

 for hours together, intently surveying the ground, far and 

 near, for the objects of their desire. The peculiar Owl-like 

 habits of this species, which are rendered more effective by 

 analogous structural details, enable it to glide down from its 

 perch without being seen. It seizes its quarry with remark- 

 able dexterity, seldom failing in its calculations. Long after 

 sun-set, and even in the subdued twilight, and also -in the silver 



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light of the moon, it may be seen skimming noiselessly over 

 swampy grounds for the small quadrupeds which delight to 

 scamper about those gloomy retreats, at such times. Like 

 the Strigidce, it is partially nocturnal in its habits. 



The flight of this Buzzard is low, heavy and sluggish ; 

 and never much protracted. But when alarmed, it moves 

 with greater briskness, and often seeks safety by mounting 



