SPRING AT THE CAPITAL. 153 



their broad dusky wings lifted up to their full extent, 

 threaten and chase each other, while perhaps one or 

 two are feeding. Their wings are very large and 

 flexible, and the slightest motion of them, while the 

 bird stands upon the ground, suffices to lift its feet 

 clear. Their movements when in air are very ma- 

 jestic and beautiful to the eye, being in every respect 

 identical with those of our common hen or red-tailed 

 hawk. They sail along in the same calm, effortless, 

 interminable manner, and sweep around in the same 

 ample spirals. The shape of their wings and tail, in- 

 deed their entire effect against the sky, except in size 

 and color, is very nearly the same as that of the hawk 

 mentioned. A dozen at a time may often be seen 

 high in air, amusing themselves by sailing serenely 

 round and round in the same circle. 



They are less active and vigilant than the hawk ; 

 never poise themselves on the wing, never dive and 

 gambol in the air, and never swoop down upon their 

 prey ; unlike the hawks also, they appear to have no 

 enemies. The crow fights the hawk, and the king- 

 bird and crow-blackbird fight the crow ; but neither 

 takes any notice of the buzzard. He excites the 

 enmity of none, for the reason that he molests none. 

 Fhe crow has an old grudge against the hawk, be- 

 cause the hawk robs the crow's nest, and carries off 

 his young; the kingbird's quarrel with the crow ia 

 upon the same grounds. But the buzzard never at- 

 tacks live game, or feeds upon new flesh when old 

 san be had. 



