48 THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 



Hawk, Marsh {Circus hudsonius) 



This species is a resident of marshes and swamps, easily identi- 

 fied by its white rump in flight. It is abundant and breeds in 

 every part of New York. It feeds largely upon mice, for which 

 it watches while hawking. Its nest is built on the ground, which 

 is unusual for hawks. c? 17.5-19; $ 19-22 



Call no. 

 Nu HM Adult Male at Nest in Cat-tails, Seven Eggs in Nest. Can- 

 oga, near Cayuga lake. (June 26, 1914) Allen 



The male is much lighter in color than the female. He some- 

 times assists in nest building, incubating and brooding, but more 

 often assigns these duties to the female while he stands guard 

 or brings her food. Note the typical hawk bill, feet and posture. 



Nu HM2 Nest with Six Eggs. Clinton co., Mich. (May 22, 1897) 



Hankinson 



Nu HM3 Birds Seven Days Old, and an Egg. Hallock, Minn. 

 (June) Peabody 



Young hawks are covered with down when hatched but, unlike 

 precocial young, are helpless for a long time. 



Nu HM4 Young Nearly Ready to Fly. Cardiff. (1911) Bailey 



The young birds are belligerent. They know no fear. They 

 will throw themselves on the back and claw at any enemy, how- 

 ever large. The young birds are good flyers, but are unable to 

 alight on a perch. They alight in the deep grass and can be 

 caught by being rushed. 



Nu HM5 Young Bird Posed on Post Just after Leaving the Nest. 

 Cardiff. (1911) Bailey 



Note the slender legs and toes. Is the young bird colored like 

 the male or the female? 



Nu HM6 Male Perched on Stub. Canoga, near Cayuga lake. (June 

 25, 1914) Allen 



The marsh hawk seldom perches on trees as do other hawks, 

 preferring to alight on the ground. About the nest, however, 

 it usually chooses such a lookout as this one. 



