128 FALCONIDiE : HAWKS. 



flowing tufts seen in most other genera, that of the head length- 

 ened, acuminate ; primary coverts stiff and acuminate. Feet 

 immensely large and strong, the tarsus entirely naked, granular- 

 reticulate, the toes all of the same length, unwebbed at base, 

 very scabrous underneath, the outer versatile ; claws very large, 

 rounded underneath. Hook of the bill long ; nostrils touching 

 edge of the cere. Above, dark brown ; most of the head and 

 neck, and the under parts white, latter sometimes with a tawny 

 shade, and streaked with brown. 2 feet long ; wing, 18.00-20.00 

 inches ; tail, 8.00-10.00. 



A summer resident along the coast, common in South- 

 ern and less so in Northern New England. This large 

 hawk, so peculiar in form and aspect, differing so widely 

 from others in technical characters, and so remarkable 

 in the nature of its food and manner of procuring it, is 

 one of the most regularly migratory of its tribe, coming 

 over our limits late in March and remaining until 

 November. Its movements, in spring at least, are 

 related to some extent to the migrations of the fish 

 which form its exclusive diet. The manner of procuring 

 these animals is the same as the Kingfisher's, by plung- 

 ing down from on high, but the quarry is seized with 

 the talons, of course, not with the beak. The piscatorial 

 habits of this bird restrict its residence to the coast and 

 the larger inland waters. Its numbers are uncertain in 

 different localities to all appearance equally eligible, and 

 in some places appear to have diminished of late years 

 from some unassignable cause. Speaking of Massachu- 

 setts, Mr. Allen has lately said that the Fish Hawk 

 formerly bred in the State, but now probably nests 

 there very rarely if at all ; and Mr. Minot's remarks on 

 the subject are to like effect. Our advices from Con- 

 necticut are the most explicit and interesting of any we 

 possess. "Mr. W. W. Coe informs me," writes Mr. 



