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Genus — Astur. Goshawks. 



334. American Goshawk, blub partridge hawk, hen hawk. fr. — l'atjtour 

 a tete noire. Astur atricapillus. L, 22. Plate XII B. 



Distinctions. Adults, with their characteristic slate-blue coloration and fine vermi- 

 culation, are not to be mistaken for any other American bird. The juveniles, however, 

 are very similar to other young Accipiters and a small male will sometimes approach in 

 size to a large female Cooper's Hawk. In such cases, the tarsus feathered for one-half 

 instead of one-third its length and the slight tinge of buff to the white of the underparts of 

 this species will distinguish the forms. 



Field Marks. Adults are distinguishable by coloration. Juveniles can be recognized 

 by their size and Accipiter outline of long tail and short, round wings. 



Nesting. In trees. 



Distribution. Breeds across the continent within the borders of settlement. Its 

 winter migratory movements are usually of small extent, though it occasionally visits our 

 southern borders in considerable numbers. Paralleling the case of the Snowy Owl such 

 nights are likely to contain mostly adults, though, normally, juveniles are much the com- 

 moner south of the breeding distribution. It is probable that these occasional flights are 

 caused by the periodic failure of rabbits in their usual habitats. 



SUBSPECIES. The American Goshawk is divided into two subspecies, but only 

 the typical form, the Eastern Goshawk, occurs in eastern Canada. 



The American representative of the Old World Goshawk or " Goose 

 Hawk," which seems to have been the original name, was the only 

 Short-winged Hawk regularly used in ancient falconry. It was flown at 

 hares, partridges, and such ground-game, which its long tail and short 

 wings allowed it to follow through rapid turnings and twistings, whereas 

 its size allowed it to kill quite large game. It was not, however, regarded 

 as a thoroughly sportsmanlike bird as it lacked the spirit and energy 

 of the Long-winged Falcons and its use lacked the excitement and interest 

 aroused by the use of the "Noble Hawks." 



Economic Status. Fortunately this bird is only an irregular winter 

 visitor to our least settled sections. Otherwise it would be a serious 

 menace to the poultryman. Of 20 stomachs examined, 9 contained poultry 

 or game; 2, other birds; 10, mammals; 3, insects; and 1, a centipede. 

 Of the 10 mammals, 3 were rabbits and 1 a grey squirrel, both of which 

 can be regarded as useful. This gives a total of 15 harmful food items 

 against 9 useful and 1 neutral. There can be no question as to the harmful 

 status of this species. Its size gives it ample power to take pullets and 

 even well-grown hens, and such large game as Ruffed Grouse is its favourite 

 food. Though the real home of the Goshawks is in the more northern 

 forests along the edge of the cultivated sections, when they once establish 

 themselves near a farmyard they are likely to visit it daily. They dash 

 suddenly over or around a building into the middle of the poultry flock, 

 seize their victim, and are off with it before the owner can protect his 

 property. 



Genera — Buteo and Archibuteo. True Buzzards. 



General Description. Heavily built Hawks of medium or large size, the bill without 

 notches or teeth (Figure 33 b, p. 23). The wings are rather short and round and the tail 

 long and ample (spreading out in a broad semicircle). Genus Buteo has clean tarsi, but 

 those of Archibuteo are feathered to the base of the toes. 



Field Marks. Round wings, and broad, ample tail make the best field marks of the 

 Buzzards. 



28587—9J 



