ZONE-TAILED HAWK. 



71 



ZONE-TAILED HAWK. 



Buteo abbreviatus. 



The Zone-tailed Hawk ranges from southern California, Arizona, 'Sew 

 Mexico, and Texas south to northern South America. The first speci- 

 men taken within our limits was secured by Dr. J. G. Cooper .30 miles 

 north of San Diego, Cal., February 23, 1862. 



Little has been written on the food habits of this Hawk. Dr. E. A. 

 Mearns, in his interesting paper on this species in central Arizona at 

 the northern part of its distribution, gives the following: " I frequently 

 observed them throughout the entire year beside the Verde Eiver, where 

 they capture lizards, frogs, fishes, and other desirable articles of rap- 

 torial diet." (Auk, vol. in, 1886, p. 66.) 



Mr. P. Stephens saw one hover over the water and attempt to catch 

 small minnows. (Bull. Nutt. Ornitli. Club, vol. viii, 1883, p. 30.) It 

 inhabits the country near the base of mountains in the vicinity of 

 streams, and at no season is it found at a great distance irom water. 

 It breeds in suitable localities throughout its range. The nest is placed 

 in a Cottonwood or other suitable tree, usually in one of the main forks, 

 from 20 to 50 feet from the ground, though sometimes it is saddled on a 

 limb some distance from the trunk. Like other large Hawks, it con- 

 structs its nest of sticks, which are loosely put together, and adds a 

 sparse lining of leaves, dry grass, or Spanish moss. 



The eggs are deposited early in May, and are usually two in number, 

 though three are occasionally found. Both birds assist in incubation 

 as well as in other duties connected with rearing their young. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Plumage uniform black or blackish-brown; tail black, crossed by 

 three broad zones, which are ash-gray on outer webs and pure white on 

 nner. 



Length: 18.50 to 21.50 inches (470 to 545™"'); extent, 49.50 to 53.25 

 inches (1257 to 1352™»); wing, 15 to 17.40 inches (380 to 442'»"i); 

 tail, 8.50 to 10.75 inches (216 to 273™™). 



Talile sho^oing the results of examinations of 5 stomachs of the Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo 



aT)treviatus ) . 



SuMMAUY.— or 5 stomachs pxaniined, 2 coutainod reptiles; 3, batracbians; 1, fish; and 1 was empty 



