Large Nests in Trees 



breast reddish or rufous; belly creamy white, spotted with 



grayish brown. 

 Adult ? — Has the breast and back dark brown. Length — 3, 



20.00. 

 Breeding Range — West of the Mississippi. It has been found 



further east, and New York and New England records are 



not very rare, but 1 can find no mention of its breeding in 



the Eastern States. It occurs in the West at times in vast 



numbers. 



343. Broad-winged Hawk: Buteo latissimus (Wils.) 



Adult — Upper parts brownish ; the feathers edged with grayish 

 buff ; tail dark, with two bars, and the tip light gray ; 

 under parts white, barred with brownish ; the throat is 

 streaked very heavily on either side. Length — 3 , 15.89. 



Breeding Range — Throughout the Eastern States. 



The nest is a rude structure of twigs, moss, and sometimes 

 feathers, placed in a tree at a height of from ten feet upvv'ards. 

 2 to 4 eggs are laid ; they are whitish, marked with blotches and 

 spots of yellowish and purplish brown, or with dull lilac. Size— 

 1.90 X 1.54. 



In common with so many hawks, this bird often makes use 

 of an abandoned crow's nest. 



The breeding season begins early in April. The male assists 

 in the duties of incubation. 



344. Short-tailed Hawk: Buteo brachyurus Vieill. 



Adult — " Upper parts slaty gray or fuscous brown ; forehead 

 whitish ; tail barred with black and narrowly tipped with 

 white, its under surface grayish ; sides and breast with 

 some rufous-brown markings ; rest of under parts pure 

 white." Length — 17.00. 



Breeding Range — Florida. 



But little is known of the breeding habits of this hawk, 

 which is rare in the United States. The eggs are described as 

 dull white or bluish, blotched and spotted at the larger end with 

 reddish brown. Size — 2.17 x 1.61. 



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