MARSH HAWK. 397 
earefully observed the habits, and compared specimens of both, I have 
come to the conclusion of their being the same species. 
The flight of the Marsh Hawk, although light and elegant, cannot 
be said to be either swift or strong ; but it is well sustained, and this 
may be accounted for on comparing the small size and weight of its 
body with the great extent of its wings and tail, which are proportion- 
ally larger than those of any other American Hawk. While searching 
for prey, it performs most of its rambles by rather irregular sailings ; 
by which I mean that it frequently deviates from a straight course 
peeping hither and thither among the tall grasses of the marshes, prairies, 
or meadows, or along the briary edges of our fields. It is seldom in- 
deed seen to chase birds on wing, although I have met with a few in_ 
stances; nor is it much in the habit of carrying its quarry to any dis- 
tance ; for generally as it observes an object suited to its appetite, it 
suddenly checks its speed, and almost poising itself by a few flaps of 
its wings, drops with astonishing quickness on its unfortunate victim, 
which it usually tears to pieces and devours on the spot. If disappoint- 
ed, however, it rises as quickly as it dropped, and proceeds as before. 
Whilst engaged in feeding, it may very easily be approached, sur- 
prised, and shot, by an experienced sportsman, for it rises in a flurried 
manner, and generally cuts a few curious zigzags at the outset. To 
obtain it, one has only to mark the spot with accuracy, keep his eye 
upon it, and advance with his gun in readiness, for he will probably 
get within a few yards before the bird rises. I have frequently seen 
it shot in this manner. At other times, by watching its beats over a 
field or meadow, one may obtain a good opportunity by concealing him- 
self near a spot where he has seen it miss its object, as it 1s sure to re- 
pass there in a short time. at all events before it removes to another field. 
When wounded and brought to the ground, it makes off on the ap- 
proach of its enemy by great leaps, and at times so swiftly that great 
exertion is requisite to overtake it; and when this is accomplished, 
it throws itself on its back, strikes furiously, and can inflict pretty 
severe wounds with its very sharp claws. 
This species flies very high at times, and in a direct course, as if 
intent on proceeding to some great distance; but as I observed that 
this frequently occurred when the bird was satiated with food, I have 
thought that it preferred this method of favouring digestion, to its more 
usual mode of sitting on the top of a fence rail, and there remaining 
