Harrier. RAPTORES. CIRCUS, 71 



the discovery of this new species of falcon, the description of 

 which he has most accurately given in the Supplement* to 

 the work I am so often proud to quote. The resemblance it 

 bears to the Hen Harrier was without doubt the cause of its 

 remaining so long unnoticed as a separate species, having in 

 all probability, when previously met with, been considered 

 only as a variety of that bird. 



The specific distinctions are, however, whep subjected to 

 the test of strict examination, obvious and well defined. 



The leading points of difference are the following. 



Though greatly inferior in weight, it exceeds the Hen 

 Harrier considerably in dimensions, both as to length and 

 extent of wing. 



The third quill-feather is much longer than any of the 

 others, and its wings, when closed, reach beyond the extre- 

 mity of the tail ; whereas in the Circus cyaneus, they are 

 shorter than the tail by two inches. The colour of the un- 

 der wing-coverts, the belly, and thighs, is also very different. 

 The ruff which encircles the back part of the head, and neck 

 of the Hen Harrier, is not so distinctly marked in this species. 

 The general contour and appearance of the two birds will be 

 found, on comparison, to be very different. A close attention 

 to the respective descriptions will also discover other minor 

 traits of separation. 



The Ash-coloured Harrier is far from being numerous in 

 England. I have taken it in Northumberland, where it 

 breeds upon the moors or open lands. 



It skims along the surface of the ground, like the Hen 

 Harrier, but with more rapid flight, and more strikingly 

 buoyant. Lives upon small birds, lizards, frogs, &c. Its Food. 

 nest is placed upon the ground, amongst furze or low brush- Nest, &c. 

 wood. The eggs are generally four, and of a pure white. 



According to Temminck, it is found throughout Hungary, 

 in Poland, Silesia, and Austria. It is common also in Dal- 

 matia and the Illyrian Provinces, but is of rare occurrence 

 in Italy. 



* See article Ash-coloured Falcon. 



