628 



EAPTOEES, OE BIEDS OF PEET. 



prey tJiey skim over the ground, and ahvays seize it suddenly, 

 as if by surprise : if the unfortunate is lucky enough to avoid the 

 Harrier's onset it is safe from pursuit. In Europe the best-known 

 species of this family are the Hen Harrier ( Circus cyaneus) and 

 the Moor Harrier {Circus ceruginosus) , Fig. 299. 



The former bird is about seventeen inches high ; it inhabits all 

 the countries of Europe, and feeds on serpents, rodents, and frogs. 



Fig, 299.— Moor Harrier [Circus aniginosxoi). 



When it succeeds in making its way into pigeon-houses or poultrj'- 

 yards it commits great havoc. 



The Moor Harrier feeds principally on game, to which it is 

 extremely destructive. Game preservers consequentlj^ are their 

 bitterest enemies. Their flight is not swift except when pouncing 

 on their prey, when it is possessed of great certaintj' and velocity. 



The other species we will mention are the Frog-eating Harrier 

 {Circus ranivorus), which is a native of South Africa, where 

 it feeds principally on frogs and fish ; the Pale-chested Harrier 

 and Jardine's Harrier (C. Swainsonii and C. Jardinii) ; and 

 the Ash- coloured Harrier (C. f//?(?rfSC(?«s), which is met with in 

 the extreme south of America. The latter has great powers of 



