BIRDS OF 



has been known as A. lagopus, the Rough-legged Buzzard, while to a 

 melanotic variety of the same, found in this country only, the name sancti- 

 johannis has been given. This variety is entirely glossy-black, except the 

 occiput, forehead, throat, inner webs of quills, base of tail and broad tail- 

 bars, white. As it is now generally conceded that these are varieties of the 

 same species, the original name, lagopits is retained and the American form 

 considered a geographical variety of the European, characterized as variety 

 sancti-johannis. Length, about 2 feet ; wing, 16-17 ; tail, 8-10. 



HAB. Whole of North America north to Mexico, breeding chiefly north 

 of the United States. 



Nest on trees or rocks. 



Eggs, 3 to 4 ; soiled white, blotched with reddish-brown. 



Another large and powerful bird, which, from some cause, 

 seems contented with very humble fare, living chiefly on mice, 

 lizards, frogs, etc., w^hile its appearance would lead us to 

 suppose it capable of capturing much larger game. It is some- 

 times found in a melanotic state, the plumage being nearly 

 black, and in this garb it was formerly described as a distinct 

 species, but this idea has now been abandoned. 



It can always be recognized by the legs being feathered 

 down to the toes which are very short. 



In Southern Ontario this is only a visitor during the season 

 of migration, being most plentiful in the fall, when it is often 

 seen frequenting the marshy shores of Hamilton Bay. It has 

 not been observed during the breeding season, neither does it 

 occur in winter. 



Speaking of this species Sir John Richardson says : "In 

 the softness and fullness of its plumage, its feathered legs, and 

 habits, this bird bears some resemblance to the Owls. It flies 

 slowly, sits for a long time on the bough of a tree watching for 

 frogs, mice, etc., and is often seen sailing over swampy pieces 

 of ground and hunting for its prey by the subdued daylight 

 which illuminates even the midnight in the high parallels of 

 latitude." 



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