CHAPTER XIII 



HAWKS AND OWLS 



Although the two groups are in no way related, the few 

 members of the great orders which include the Vultures, 

 Eagles and Hawks (Accipitriformes) and the Owls 

 (Strigiformes), that come within our field, are most con- 

 veniently treated together. Their feeding habits are similar 

 and their general treatment differs in no important points. 

 Both hawks and owls, under suitable conditions, are inter- 

 esting and hardy in captivity. Their food, which is entirely 

 of an animal nature, is not complicated or difficult to pro- 

 cure. If kept in well- ventilated cages and conscientiously 

 cleaned, there is little or no odor, although, if neglected, this 

 factor may become very objectionable. 



It may be noted here that in New York State, at least, 

 while all hawks are without the pale of the law. Horned 

 and Snowy Owls are the only members of their group which 

 legally may be kept in captivity. 



Of the accipitrine birds, only the hawks are commonly 

 kept by amateurs. 



Hawks 



Since the passing of the once popular sport of hawking, 

 which was practised in the most remote antiquity and is 

 still pursued in some localities, the attention of aviculturists 

 has been centered on other groups. Few make a point of 

 obtaining hawks, and such as are kept are only those which 

 have been secured by chance. Still, most of the species make 

 engaging pets and are easily kept if properly cared for. 



Although one is likely to think of hawks as birds of the 



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