168 Tue Birps AsouT Us. 
resident in the Middle States they are more generally 
noticed in the autumn and winter, and seem to follow 
the flocks of tree-sparrows and Peabody-birds. 
Dr. Wheaton’s account of his observations of this 
hawk is most interesting : 
“‘ The sharp-shinned hawk is one of the most daring and dashing 
of the family, frequently and successfully visiting the barn-yard for 
food, and often attacking birds of nearly its own weight. Some- 
times, however, he fails to obtain his prey, either from over-confi- 
dence in his own abilities or under-estimation of the powers of his 
victim. I once saw an adult bird of this species pounce upon a 
meadow-lark quietly feeding upon the ground. By some means the 
attack was only partly successful, and the lark hopped about for a 
few moments with the hawk upon his back. The ridiculousness of 
his position seemed to disconcert the hawk, who relaxed his grip, only 
to find himself attacked by the bill and claws of his victim. Then 
followed a fierce fight with claws, bills, and wings, in which both 
contestants appeared equally active and determined. Finally the 
combatants separated, the hawk flying in one direction, disappointed, 
dejected, and disgusted, the lark in another, recovering his breath 
by extraordinary cries of alarm and distress. 
“The nest of the sharp-shinned hawk is usually placed in trees, 
sometimes on rocks. The eggs are white, variously shaded, thickly 
marked with different shades of brown. They measure about 1.45 
by 1.15.’? 
Cooper’s Hawk, or Chicken-hawk, as you will, is 
larger than the preceding, and with the increased 
size goes increased daring. I have seen one of these 
birds swoop down upon a decapitated chicken within 
five paces of the man who was waiting for the chicken 
to bleed. Dr. Warren says, “ For impudent daring 
this species, without doubt, ranks pre-eminent among 
the raptorial genera.’ In general habits it does not 
differ essentially from the preceding. 
The Goshawk is not a common species anywhere. 
