BIRDS OF 



Breeds generally in communities. Nest on the ground, or in a hollow 

 log or stump. 



Eggs, usually 2 ; creamy white, spotted and blotched with different 

 shades of brown. 



So far as I am aware, the Turkey Buzzard has been observed 

 in Ontario, only in the south-western portion of the Province. 



Mr. Wagstaff, in'the letter already quoted, says : " Turkey 

 Buzzards are frequently seen in Essex sailing around in search 

 of carrion." I once saw it at Baptiste Creek some years since, 

 but have not heard of it being seen farther east. Dr. 

 Coues says : " This species has a curious habit of ' playing 

 possum' by simulating death when wounded and captured, the 

 feint being admirably executed and often long protracted." 



SUBORDER FALCONES. VULTURES FALCONS, HAWKS, 

 BUZZARDS, EAGLES, KITES, HARRIERS, ETC. 



FAMILY FALCONID^E. VULTURES, FALCONS, HAWKS, 

 EAGLES, ETC. 



SUBFAMILY ACCIPITRIN^. KITES, BUZZARDS, HAWKS, 

 GOSHAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. 



GENUS ELANOIDES VIEILLOT. 

 131. ELANOIDES PORFICATUS (LINN.). 327. 

 Swallow-tailed Kite. 



Head, neck and under-parts white ; back, wings and tail lustrous black ; 

 feet greenish blue, claws pale. Length, female, 23-25 ; wing, i6-i6J ; tail, 14 ; 

 male a little smaller. 



HAB. Southern United States, especially in the interior, from Pennsyl- 

 vania and Minnesota southward, throughout Central and South America ; 

 westward to the Great Plains. Casual eastward to Southern New England. 

 Accidental in England. 



Nest on a tree ; constructed of sticks, hay, moss, etc. 



Eggs, 4 to 6 ; whitish, blotched and spotted with chestnut-brown. 



In the course of its extensive wanderings, this bold, dashing 

 Kite has been known to visit Ontario. In the List of Birds of 



134 



