106 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK IN CAPTIVITY. 
THE RED-SHOULDERED HAWK IN CAPTIVITY. 
BY H. C. OBERHOLSER, WASHINGTON, D. C. 
TuaT many of the various species of Raptorial birds may 
be successfully reared in confinement has been, by numerous 
experiments, amply demonstrated. While it is of course 
true that all birds, by adaptation to the circumstances of 
their imprisonment, alter to a greater or less extent certain 
of their natural habits, yet the advantages accruing to the 
naturalist through rearing birds, especially the rapacious 
species, in captivity, are too obvious to require either ex- 
planation or enumeration. Aside from the value of direct 
observations upon the habits of birds in confinement, is the 
comparison of traits modified by such abnormal conditions, 
with those known to exist ina state of nature. The obser- 
vation of food habits is of much importance, although the 
results obtained from captive birds must be considered in a 
measure negative; since their altered environment induces 
different discrimination in regard to the acceptance or 
rejection of certain elements of their available food-supply. 
It is, however, the comparison of these differences which 
gives to experiments of this character much of their value 
and interest. 
One of the easiest of the Rapfores to rear in confinement 
is the Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo Lineatus), for under 
favorable circumstances it readily adapts itself to the society 
of man. When brought up as a pet it may be allowed 
comparative freedom, sometimes becoming much attached to 
its owner, as may be inferred from the following extract 
taken from Dr. A. K. Fisher’s excellent monograph of 
