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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®. 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’AMHRIQUE. 
Pandion halictus carolinensis. L, 23-10. Plate XV A. 
Distinctions. The coloration of the Osprey is quite distinctive. Its pale biue legs, 
and feet much roughened with sharp horny processes, especially on the soles and grasping 
surfaces, are decidedly characteristic. 
Field Marks. The large wing cxpanse 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, 
Ne Sree 
