46 



THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



The eggs, whicli are from .two to fi^e in number, three being the rule, 

 are deposited from the middle of April to the latter part of May, ac- 

 cording to the latitude. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Bare portion of leg in front shorter than middle toe; wing more than 

 12 inches (305™"). 



Adult. — Above bluish slate color with blackish shaft streaks; top of 

 head deep black; tail crossed by four dusky bands; below white, thickly 

 barred with narrow zigzag lines of grey; feathers often streaked in 

 middle with dusky. 



Immature. — ^Above, dusky greyish, feathers margined with buff; be- 

 low, whitish or pale buff with narrow stripes of blackish. 



Length: 21 to 25 inches (633 to 634"">); extent, 42 to 46 inches (1067 

 to 1169""); wing, 12 to 14.25 inches (305 to 362""); tail, 9.50 to 12.75 

 inches (241 to 324 ""). 



Table showing the results of examinations of S8 stomachs of the Goshawk 

 {Accipiter atricapillus). 



Summary.— Of 28 stomachs examined, 9 contained poultry or game birds; 2, other birds; 10, mam 

 mals; 3, insects; 1, oentiped; and 8 were empty. 



