121 



Ihis the best distinction between them is the lack of any indication in this species of reddish 

 on the shoulders or upper wing coverts and the presence of a roughly circular, unspotted, 

 area on the breast. 



Field Marks. Adults can be recognized specifically in Ufe by the red tail, and all 

 ages generically by their characteristic Buzzard outline of short wings and broad, ample, 

 round tail. Juveniles are only likely to be mistaken for the Red-shouldered; from these 

 the white breast and the voice are probably the most reliable guides. The call of the 

 Red-shouldered is identical' with some of the Blue Jay calls. The notes of the Red- 

 tailed are similar, but different enough in quahty and execution to be recognizable after 

 having once been heard. 



Distribution. Eastern North America north to near the tree limit. Breeds in Canada 

 wherever found. 



SUBSPECIES. The Red-tailed Hawk is represented in Canada by several subspecies, 

 but only the typical form, the Eastern Red-tail, is to be looked for in the east. 



Nesting. High up in trees in the larger woodland patches. 



The Red-tailed is a shy and a cautious Hawk. It is more often seen 

 saihng in great circles high overhead than close by. It requires larger and 

 wilder woodland patches than the Red-shouldered for its headquarters in 

 summer, though like that species it hunts in the surrounding open. 



Economic Status. This large, fine bird occupies a debatable position of 

 usefulness and so much depends upon local conditions and the personal 

 characteristics of individuals that no hard and fast conclusion respecting 

 it can be laid down. Of 473 stomach examinations, 54 contained poultry 

 or game birds; 51, other birds; 278, mice; 131, other mammals; 37, 

 batrachians or reptiles; 47, insects; 8, crayfish; 1, centipede; and 13 offal. 

 Of the "other mammals" 16 were rabbits or grey squirrels. This gives us 

 about 121 food items against and 464 for the species, and there are 48 that 

 can be regarded as neutral besides the 13 of offal that can only be listed 

 as favourable. It should also be borne in mind in studying these food 

 contents that those birds coming closest to the farmyard are the most likely 

 to be shot and have their stomachs examined. Hence there is a certain 

 amount of unfavourable selection against the species as a whole in the 

 choice of evidence, that should be allowed for. 



The species is, on the whole, exceedingly useful and does considerably 

 more good than harm. Individuals, however, frequently get into the habit 

 of regularly visiting the poultry yard. These are nearly always young 

 birds of the year in search of easy prey. The old birds are usually too 

 cautious for this. There can be no question that such individuals should be 

 eliminated as quickly as possible, but it certainly cannot be maintained that 

 a generally useful species should be systematically persecuted for the bad 

 habits of a few. In economic ornithology it is a good rule, when the 

 evidence is delicately balanced, to give the bird the benefit of the doubt. 



339. Red-shouldered Hawk, chicken hawk. fh. — la buse a manteatj roux. 

 BiUeo Uneatus. L, 18-30. Plate XIII B. 



Distinctions. The reddish underparts of the adults. Juvenile plumage may be 

 similar to the young Red-tailed, but its inferior size and the presence of at least an indica- 

 tion of rufous on the shoulders or wing-coverts and the spotting of centre of breast wiU 

 distinguish it. 



Field Marks. With its characteristic Buteo outline and habits it is not Ukely to be 

 confused with any other species than the Red-tailed. The lack of red tail and the ruddy 

 underparts will distinguish adults. For juveniles the voice and size are probably the most 

 reliable guides. The notes of this species are so hke certain calls of the Blue Jay that they 

 can be differentiated with difficulty. The Red-tail's screams are of similar nature, but quite 

 distinguishable. 



