452 



BIRDS OF ILLINOIS. 



So far as I am able to judge from the large series of specimens 

 examined, there does not appear to be the shghtest difference be- 

 tween eastern and M'estern specimens, in any stage of plumage. 



The American Harrier is quite distinct from the European C. 

 cyancus, although the two species are much alike in some plumages. 

 The adult male of C cyancus is wholly destitute of the dusky sub- 

 terminal bar to the tail-feathers and secondaries, and lacks the 

 reddish markings on the lower parts, which, posterior to the jugu- 

 lum, are immaculate pure white. The dimensions are also less 

 than those of C. hudsonius. 





Measurements of C. 



hudsonius 







Sex. 



Wing. 



Tail. 



Culmcn. 



Tarsus. 



Middle Toe. 



Specimens. 



Male 



12.9fr-13.85 

 13.00-16.00 



9.00-9.90 

 8.80-10.50 



.60-. 70 



.70-. 75 



2.85-2.90 

 2.85-3.35 



1.20-1.30 



1.22-1.55 



36 



Female 



32 



A young male, shot August 17, 1807, in the Truckee Valley, 

 Nevada, measured 18f inches in length by 42 in spread of wings. 

 The bill was deep black, more bluish basally ; cere and rictus green- 

 ish gamboge-yellow, the former purer yellow on top; iris yellowish 

 gray; tarsi and toes rich orange-yellow, the claws jet-black. 



Two young females obtained in August and December, 1867, on 

 the lower Truckee and on the shore of Pyramid Lake, Nevada, 

 measured 19^20^ inches in length, and 43|-44 in extent of wings. 

 The fresh colors were as above described, except that the specimen 

 obtained in December had the iris dull fulvous. 



The Marsh Hawk is a bird of very extensive distribution, but at 

 the same time is by no means a well-known species except in those 

 portions of the country where it is most abundant. In Illinois it 

 may be observed at all seasons of the year, but, at least in the 

 southern portion of the State, it is decidedly most numerous in 

 winter. 



"According to Audubon, the Marsh Hawk rarely pursues birds on 

 the wing, nor does it often carry its prey to any distance before it 

 alights and devours it. While engaged in feeding, it may be readily 

 approached, surprised, and shot. When wounded, it endeavors to 

 make off by long leaps ; and when overtaken, it throws itself on the 



