LIST AND DESCRIPTION 83 



plumage is similar to that of the last, but the bird is larger, 

 measuring from fifteen to nineteen inches. The female is 

 longer than the male but the difference, as in the Sharp-shinned 

 is in the extra length of tail. 



The food of this Hawk is about the same as that of the 

 Sharp-shinned, and the bird should be persecuted with the same 

 earnestness. Being larger than the Sharp-shinned it will prob- 

 ably destroy more poultry. 



334. GOSHAWK (Astur atricapillus atricapillus.) "HEN HAWK/' 



This Hawk usually nests in the northern part of North 

 America and is regarded as only a winter visitor, although it 

 probably nests sometimes in our State. Length from twenty 

 to twenty-four inches; female slightly larger; back bluish gray; 

 crown and area back of eyes black; white line over eyes; under 

 parts white, irregularly finely barred with gray, and with occa- 

 sional black streaks extending lengthwise ; tail with four or five 

 blackish bars. 



If this Hawk were a summer resident it would probably 

 be the most destructive of all Hawks to poultry, as, on account 

 of its large size, it is capable of carrying away full-grown hens. 

 It also destroys many game birds such as Quail, Grouse and 

 Prairie Chickens. It therefore comes in the list of harmful 

 Hawks and should be killed. 



337. RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo borealis borealis.) 



A rather common Hawk over most of the State during the 

 nesting season; twenty to twenty-five inches in length, the fe- 

 male larger; tail usually reddish brown, tipped with white and 

 a subterminal black band, although occasionally one will be seen 

 with several narrow black bars on the tail. Above, blackish 

 brown, the brown-tipped crown feathers showing white when 

 raised. Under parts whitish, usually with a dark area across 

 the belly. In the young the upper tail surface is often grayish 

 with several darker bars. The plumage of the Red-tailed Hawks 

 varies in color so that it is impossible to give a description that 

 will apply to all individuals. 



This Hawk is heavier than the preceding species although 

 its length is the same, and it is not so agile in flight. Examina- 

 tion of many stomachs reveals the fact that it lives on snakes, 

 mice and other small rodents and should be protected. 



