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THE FISH HAWK, OR OSPREY. 



PLATE LXXXI. MAtE. 



Comparing the great size of this bird, its formidable character, its 

 powerful and protracted flight, and the dexterity with which, although a 

 land bird, it procures- its prey from the waters of the ocean, with the very 

 inferior powers of the bird named the Kingsfisher, I should be tempted 

 to search for a more appropriate appellation than that of Fish-Hawk, 

 and, were I not a member of a republic, might fancy that of Imperial 

 Fisher more applicable to it. 



The habits of this famed bird differ so materially from those of almost 

 all others of its genus, that an accurate description of them cannot fail 

 to be highly interesting to the student of nature. 



The Fish Hawk may be looked upon as having more of a social dis- 

 position than most other Hawks. Indeed, with the exception of the 

 Swallow-tailed Hawk {Folcojurcatus), I know none so gregarious in its 

 habits. It migrates in numbers, both during spring, when it shews itself 

 along our Atlantic shores, lakes, and rivers, and during autumn, when it 

 retires to warmer climes. At these seasons, it appears in flocks of eight 

 or ten individuals, following the windings of our shores in loose bodies, 

 advancing in easy sailings or flappings, crossing each other in their gyra- 

 tions. During the period of their stay in the United States, many pairs 

 are seen nestling, rearing their young, and seeking their food, within so 

 short a distance of each other, that while following the margins of our 

 eastern shores, a Fish Hawk or a nest belonging to the species, may be 

 met with at every short interval. 



The Fish Hawk may be said to be of a mild disposition. Not only 

 do these birds live in perfect harmony together, but they even allow other 

 birds of very different character to approach so near to them as to build 

 their nests of the very materials of which the outer parts of their own are 

 constructed. I have never observed a Fish Hawk chasing any other bird 

 whatever. So pacific and timorous is it, that, rather than encounter a 

 foe but little more powerful than itself, it abandons its prey to the White- 

 headed Eagle, which, next to man, is its greatest enemy. It never forces 

 its young from the flest, as some other Hawks do, but, on the contrary. 



