OF NEW ENGLAND. 363 
partly to both species, sometimes to one more than another, 
but it may be remarked that the ‘ Red-tail” is more robust, 
spirited, and majestic. 
The ‘*Hen Hawks,” and their immediate relations, are best 
characterized by their fight and mode of hunting. Sometimes, 
propelled by an occasional and slight motion of the wings, 
they sail in circles to a great height, and, if favored by a 
breeze, even rise until lost to sight, without any perceptible 
exercise of muscular power. Again, they often circle without 
ascending, though at a considerable distance from the ground. 
Thus the range of their vision is much extended, while the 
keenness of their sight enables them to detect the motion of a 
squirrel in the trees, or of birds and snakes in the open lands 
over which they more often fly. On perceiving the object of 
their search, closing their wings and tail, they fall with a loud 
rustle until near the earth, when, checking their speed, they 
drop unawares upon their victim. Should they fail, they rise, 
and in a second attempt it frequently happens that*not even 
the cunning Quail can escape. They sometimes fly lower, with 
more or less sailing, according to the breeze or motion in the 
air, and, diving down, seize a chicken, or even a hen, and bear 
it off with apparent ease.” At other times, they perch in a tree 
in their hunting-grounds, and with an eager, intent expression, 
watch closely the surrounding grass, down into which they 
drop when occasion requires, or over which they again sail, 
instantly checking their course and again alighting, should 
anything attract their attention. Then facing about, they wait 
until an opportune moment, when, spreading their wings and 
for an instant hovering, they pounce upon their prey. They 
rarely catch birds on the wing, and never, so far as I know, 
pursue them. On the contrary, if undisturbed, they sometimes 
remain perched for hours, either waiting for the appearance of 
game, or digesting 2 meal. In the woods, they not unfrequently 
catch squirrels, diving at them when in some exposed situation. 
They usually sail up to their perch, and stand erectly, often 
far above the ground. 
Their ordinary fare is composed of hares, often called “ ‘rab- 
