128 



trees in fields or along fence rows are its chosen observation points. It 

 beats about over the meadows and on sighting its prey hovers for a moment 

 on quickly beating wings, like a Kingfisher, and then drops upon its quarry. 

 The name Sparrow Hawk should properly belong to the Sharp- 

 shinned ; this is recognized in the Old World where the name Sparrow 

 Hawk is applied to a small Accipiter closely resembling that species. Grass- 

 hopper Hawk would be a far better descriptive name for this little 

 falcon as grasshoppers form a large part of its food. When taken young 

 from the nest this little falcon is easily tamed. 



Economic Status. Although a hawk, this bird is one of the most 

 efficient and valuable protectors of the farm. Of 291 stomachs examined, 

 1 contained a game bird (Quail); 53, other birds; 89, mice; 13, other 

 mammals; 12, reptiles or batrachians (frogs, etc); 215, insects; and 

 29, spiders. Of the birds examined, 43 were taken in the winter months, 

 from December to April. Of specimens taken in seasons when insects 

 are available only 10 stomachs contained birds. This record shows that 

 birds are killed by the falcon from necessity rather than choice. The 

 "other mammals" are mostly harmful rodents, with a very few shrews. 

 The insects are usually grasshoppers which do great damage and are 

 difficult to control. From the above evidence it is obvious that the 

 Sparrow Hawk is beneficial and should be protected. 



FAMILY PANDIONID^J. FISH-HAWKS. OSPREYS. 



The Fish-hawks or Ospreys are a family of raptorial birds subsisting 

 entirely upon fish, which they capture in shallow water by diving. Other 

 members of the order eat fish, but usually only as scavengers or by stealing 

 from fish-catching birds. As there is only one species of Fish-hawk in 

 America, no general discussion of the family is necessary here. 



364. Osprey. AMERICAN OSPREY. FISH-HAWK. FR. LE BALBUSARD D'AMERIQTJB. 

 Pandion halicetits carolinensis. L, 23 10. Plate XV A. 



Distinctions. The coloration of the Osprey is quite distinctive. Its pale blue legs, 

 and feet much roughened with sharp horny processes, especially on the soles and grasping 

 surfaces, are decidedly characteristic. 



Field Marks. The large wing-expanse of this bird is responsible for the common 

 mistake of calling it an eagle. It is, however, much smaller than either of the eagles and 

 its white underparts will distinguish it from them. 



Nesting. A great mass of sticks in trees or on the ground, which, as it is added to year 

 after year, finally becomes almost as large as a small haycock. 



Distribution. The Osprey occurs in most of Europe, Asia, Africa, and in America south 

 to northern South America. The American Osprey breeds in Canada locally in all except 

 the southern sections. 



SUBSPECIES. The Osprey, inhabiting both the New and Old Worlds, is divided 

 into subspecific races, of which the American Osprey P. h. carolinensis is the American 

 representative. Its separation from the European form is based upon characters too 

 slight for discussion here. 



The Osprey is a most picturesque bird. Sailing at a height over the 

 water it pauses a moment and then drops suddenly, not straight down 

 like a plummet, as the Gannet does, but in a long spiral, striking the 

 water feet first with wings raised high over its back. There is a splash 

 of white spray and it rises in the air, a fish clasped in its rough talons, 

 and is away to its aerie. The Ospreys frequent broad shallows, tidal 

 flats, and shallow bays where water is not too deep for shallow diving, 



