LIARRIERS. RAPACES. FALCO. Qn 
distinct species,—a mistake doubtless occasioned by the very 
dissimilar appearance of the sexes in the adult state, with re- 
spect to size and colour. The facts, however, adduced by 
Monracu *, to prove the identity of the two, are clear and Edenuitnol 
satisfactory ; to me particularly so, as the result of my own jier and 
observations lead entirely to the same opinion. Mons. TEm- Hing-tail. 
MINCK, also, in his valuable “* Manuel,” has shewn so little 
doubt upon the subject, as at once to bring the synonymes of 
the Hen Harrier and Ring-tail together. 
The species, though not very numerous, is pretty generally Locality. 
found throughout Britain, frequenting low marshy situations, 
or wide moors. The flight of the Hen Harrier is always low, Flight. 
but at the same time smooth and buoyant. It is very de- 
structive to game, which it pounces upon the ground; it al- Food. 
so feeds upon small birds and animals, lizards and frogs. It 
breeds on the open wastes, and frequently in thick furze co- Nest, &c 
vers; the nest is placed on the ground, and the eggs are four 
or Aes in number, of a skim-milk white, round at each end, 
and nearly as large as the Marsh Harrier. 
The young males, for the first year, are similar in appear- 
ance to the females, after which they gradually assume the 
grey plumage that distinguishes the adult. 
It is common in France, Germany, and Holland, inhabit- 
ing the low and flat districts; but in Switzerland, and all 
mountainous countries, it is of rare occurrence. 
Prate 10. Fig. 1. Shews the male bird, in perfect plumage, 
and of the natural size. 
Bill bluish-black. Cere wax-yellow, almost hidden by the General 
projecting bristles at the base of the bill. Irides king’s- ae 
yellow. Head, neck, upper part of the breast, back, Male bird. 
scapulars, and wing-coverts, bluish-grey, passing into 
pearl-grey. The rump white. Quills black. Breast, 
belly, under wing and tail-coverts, pure white, without 
* See Supplement to Ornith. Dict. article Hen Harrier. 
