GOSHAWK. 33 
to end the dismal picture, the female, in a fit of indiscriminate 
rage and violence, murdered her mate in the silence of the 
night, when all the other feathered race were wrapped in 
repose. Indeed, their dispositions are so furious that a Gos- 
hawk, left with any other Falcons, soon effects the destruction 
of the whole. Their ordinary food is young rabbits, squirrels, 
mice, moles, young Geese, Pigeons, and small birds, and, with 
a cannibal appetite, they sometimes even prey upon the young 
of their own species. 
The Goshawk is not so rare in America as the older naturalists 
supposed ; indeed, it is quite a common bird in the maritime Prov- 
inces of Canada and in northern New England, where it is found 
during the entire year. It occurs also west to Manitoba (though 
apparently rare in the Lake Superior region), and ranges, in winter, 
south to Maryland, Kentucky, and Ohio. 
Its usual breeding area is from about latitude 45° to the fur 
‘countries ; though a few pairs probably build every year in southern 
New England. So few, comparatively, of the older and full-plu- 
maged birds are seen that the species is not well known, the 
younger brown birds being almost indistinguishable from the 
young of several other Hawks. 
There are several species that receive the name of “ Hen Hawk ” 
from the farmer; but none is so much dreaded as the “ Blue Hawk,” 
—and for good reason. With a boldness, strength, and dexterity of 
flight that is rivalled only by the Peregrine, the Goshawk com- 
bines a spirit of enterprise worthy of the Osprey, and a ferocity 
and cunning that are unmatched by any of the tribe. I have seen 
one swoop into a farmyard while the fowls were being fed, and 
carry off a half-grown chick without any perceptible pause in the 
flight. 
VOL. I. -— 3 
STONY BROOK LIBRARY 
