VATURALISTS CABINET. 



Description Habits, &c. 



\vingg are extended. He has a large head, and 

 flat crown, with a short hooked bill, of a lead 

 colour; the upper part of his body is of a dark- 

 ish dun; some of them have white spots in the 

 upper feathers of the wings, which, when spread, 

 have the appearance of a white line, somewhat 

 like what is seen upon the back and shoulders; 

 the extreme edges of the feathers are of a dirty 

 yellow, the belly of a yellowish white, with rusty 

 spots on the breast; a sort of bristles, or hair, 

 grows between the eyes and nostrils, and a large 

 down upon the middle of the back, which is co- 

 vered with the scapular feathers. The thighs 

 are large, fleshy, and feathered below the knees; 

 the legs and feet are yellow, and covered with 

 scales. 



The buzzard is of a sedentary and indolent 

 disposition : it continues perched for several 

 hours upon a tree or eminence, whence it darts 

 upon such prey as comes within its reach. It 

 feeds on birds, small quadrupeds, reptiles, and 

 insects. Though possessed of strength, agi'Iitv, 

 and weapons to defend itself, it is so cowardly 

 and inactive, that it will fly from a sparrow-hawk ; 

 and, when overtaken, will suffer itself to be 

 beaten, and even brought to the ground, without 

 resistance. The female breeds in large woods, 

 and generally takes possession of an old crow's 

 nest, which she enlarges, and lines with wool 

 and various other soft materials. She com- 

 monly lays two or three egL,s, and when the 



