RAPACIOUS BIRDS. 81 



air, in easy undulations, over the fields close by 

 the woods it inhabits. It builds in old trees, not 

 unfrequently taking possession of the deserted 

 nest of some other bird. The general length of 

 the buzzard is one foot eight or ten inches. The 

 plumage is subject to great variation, the upper 

 parts usually of a deep brown, and the lower of 

 yellowish white, spotted with brown or reddish 

 dashes. 



The last section or tribe of this family is that 

 of the HARKIEKS ; which are birds of considerable 

 size and power, and very active in the pursuit of 

 their prey. Their flight is easy, graceful and 

 buoyant, but rather slow and near the ground. 

 These birds have a singular mode of hunting over 

 the surface, like a dog in search of game, whence 

 they have probably got their name, They are 

 also sometimes called " harpies." There are 

 three British species of harrier the marsh, the 

 hen, and the ash- coloured (or Montagu's) harrier. 



The largest and most powerful is the MARSH 

 HAEKIEE, which, as its name implies, frequents 

 marshes and uncultivated heaths and moors. It 

 is not uncommon in this country in the fenny 

 districts ; its prey being small quadrupeds, water- 

 birds, and reptiles. This silent-winged marauder 

 skims along the ground, and suddenly drops upon 



