jg 
PS + 
82 Mr. Peabody on the P 
— 
lied to the preceding, but superior to it in every 
thing but size. It is considerably smaller, and, 
though not able to contend with its enemy, the 
red-tail, escapes by its superior fleetness. It seldom 
preys on animals, but subsists on poultry, partridges 
and other birds. Nuttall informs us that these birds 
are occasionally seen in Massachusetts ; and, though - 
it is not known that any one has been taken, the 
observation of such a naturalist is not to be disre- 
garded. Of the nest and habits of this bird, at the 
breeding season, nothing is ye known. 
The RED-SHOULDERED Bra Falco lineatus. lt 
has been a subject of discussion whether this is a 
species distinct from the Winter falcon, Falco hiem- 
alis ; Audubon, in his first volume, maintained that 
they were different, and said that the winter falcon 
was much more common than the former. I have 
since understood that he has found reason to change 
his opinion ; and if it be true that they are the 
same, F. lineatus, the name of the supposed adult, 
one that should. be preferred. In a list kindly 
furnished me by Dr. Brewer, it is set down as breed- 
ing in our State. 
The Hrs-nanRIER OR Marsu Hawk, Falco cyan- 
eus, though found here in considerable numbers, is 
not of any great importance, either as a friend or an 
enemy of man. In the southern states, though not 
common, it is in high estimation for its services in 
Wltióying the small birds, while they are engaged 
in plundering the fields; but in the northern states, 
it generally confines itself to marshes, where it 
