Harriers. RAPACES. FALCO. 29 
The specific distinctions are, however, when subjected to 
the test of strict examination, obvious and well defined. 
The leading points of difference are the following. 
Though greatly inferior in weight, it exceeds the hen har- Difference 
d ; : . : between 
rier considerably in dimensions, both as to length and extent ,.. paces 
of wing. and the 
Hen Har- 
The third quill-feather is much longer than any of the yer, 
others, and its wings, when closed, reach beyond the extre- 
mity of the tail; whereas in the Falco eyaneus, they are 
shorter than the tail by two inches. The colour of the un- 
der wing-coverts, the belly and thighs, is also very different. 
The ruff which encircles the back part of the head, and neck 
of the Hen Harrier, is not so distinctly marked in this spe- 
cies. ‘The general contour and appearance of the two birds 
will be found, on comparison, to be very different. A close 
attention to the respective descriptions will also discover other 
minor traits of separation. 
The Ash-coloured Harrier is far from being numerous in Locality. 
England. I have taken it in Northumberland, where it 
breeds upon the moors or open lands. 
It skims along the surface of the ground, like the Hen Flight. 
Harrier, but with more rapid flight, and more strikingly 
buoyant. Lives upon small birds, lizards, frogs, &c. Its Food. 
nest is placed upon the ground, amongst furze or low brush- Nest, &c. 
wood, ‘lhe eggs are generally four, and of a pure white. 
According to TEMMINCK, it is found throughout Hungary, 
in Poland, Silesia, and Austria. 
It is common also in Dalmatia and the Illyrian Provinces, 
but is of rare occurrence in Italy. 
Pirate 11. A male bird, of adult age, and of natural size. 
Killed near Morpeth in Northumberland in 1817. 
Bill bluish-black. Cere lemon-yellow. Irides yellow. Head General 
and upper parts of the body deep ash-grey, the tips and Geseribs 
middle parts of most of the feathers blackish-grey. Male bird. 
