NOTES. 81 



ASTUR ATRICAPILLUS. — The adult of this species is very rare in this 

 latitude, and it occurs in this plumage about midwinter. The young, how- 

 ever, are sometimes common during the autumn. 



ACCIPITEE FUSCUS. — This is one of the most common of our Hawks. 

 It occurs in young plumage in the fall also. I am told that it breeds in 

 Canada ; but I have not had the good fortune to find its nest. Sportsmen 

 have told me incidents of the audacity of this little species. They say it is 

 always on the alert for woodcock and snipe, and knows the moment that one 

 of these birds is wounded. It is sometimes so bold, that, as soon as the shot 

 strikes the intended game, the Hawk pounces upon it to carry it away. 



BUTEO PENNSYLVANICUS. — This species is very common here during 

 the months of September and October. It is generally found preying upon 

 frogs and a species of common field locust. I have not learned that it breeds 

 in Upper or Lower Canada. 



AECHIBUTEO LAGOPUS. — Sometimes this species is very abundant in 

 the northern mountains, especially where there is a plenty of hares and 

 grouse. It breeds in Labrador. 



CIRCUS HUDSONIUS. — Occurs only in the fall, and then in young plum- 

 age. Breeds in Western Canada. It has not been detected breeding in the 

 northern swamps of Lower Canada. 



AQUILA CANADENSIS. — The adult and young of this species are occa- 

 sionally shot here during autumn and winter. I think it breeds on some of 

 our high northern mountains. The specimens that I have examined had 

 their bodies and legs stuck full of porcupine quills. 



PANDION CAROLINENSIS. — This is a very rare visitor in the northern 

 regions. I understand that a pair arrive annually, and breed at Lake St. 

 Joseph, north of this city. I never saw an adult specimen in Quebec. 



BUBO VIRGINIANUS. — This Owl occurs here during summer and win- 

 ter. I am almost certain it breeds in the mountains behind the city. I have 

 had the young in the down from Bay St. Paul, on the north side of the 

 river St. Lawrence, below Quebec. 



OTUS WILSONIANUS and BRACHYOTUS CASSINII are extremely rare 

 here, and I cannot give any facts in relation to them. 



SYRNIUM NEBULOSUM. — This is the common Owl of om- forests. 



SYRNIUM CINEREUM. — Is an accidental winter visitor. 



SURNIA ULULA. — This bird is also very common during some winters. 

 It breeds in the northern portions of Hudson's Bay and Labrador. 



NYCTEA NIVEA. — This Owl is more abundant this winter (1867) than it 

 has been for years. 



NYCTALE RICHARDSONII and N. ACADICA also occur here. The former 

 is occasional; but the latter, extremely rare. 

 6 



