24 ORNITHOLOGY AND OOLOGY. 



(^Buteo boreaKs'), but are a little more of a bluish-white in 

 the ground-color. 



For some reason, this species was quite abundant in 

 the neighborhood of Boston in the winter of 1859-60 : 

 probably a dozen or fifteen specimens were sent to me in 

 the different plumages, and I have heard of many others 

 being shot in the same season. 



I have had but few opportunities for studying the habits 

 of this hawk, and, as my observations have been very 

 meagre, I will give Audubon's description, which, so far as 

 my experience goes, is very accurate ; it is as follows : — 



" The flight of the Goshawk is extremely rapid and jDrotracted. 

 He sweeps along the margins of the fields, through the woods, and 

 by the edges of ponds and rivers, with such speed as to enable him 

 to seize his prey by merely deviating a few yards from his course ; 

 assisting himself on such occasions by his long tail, which, like a 

 rudder, he throws to the right or left, upwards or downwards, to 

 check his progress, or enable him suddenly to alter his course. 

 At times he passes like a meteor through the underwood, where 

 he secures squirrels and hares with ease. Should a flock of wild 

 pigeons pass him when on these predatory excursions, he imme- 

 diately gives chase, soon overtakes them, and, forcing his way into 

 the very centre of the flock, scatters them in confusion, when you 

 may see him emerging with a bird in his talons, and diving towards 

 the depth of the forest to feed upon his victim. When travelling, 

 he flies high, with a consta^nt beat of the wings, seldom moving in 

 large circles like other hawks ; and, when he does this, it is only 

 a few times in a hurried manner, after which he continues his 

 journey. 



"Along the Atlantic Coast, this species follows the numerous 

 flocks of ducks that are found there during the autumn and winter ; 

 and greatly aids in the destruction of mallards, teals, black ducks, 

 and other species, in company with the Peregrine Falcon {Falco 

 anatum). It is a restless bird, apparently more vigilant and indus- 

 trious than many other hawks, and it seldom alights unless to 

 devour its prey ; nor can I recollect ever having seen one alighted 

 for many minutes at a time, without having a bird in its talons. 



