74 FALCONID.E. 



Rougli-legged Buzzard. In Germany this bird is still more 

 abundant than in Holland at particular seasons of the year, 

 when pursuing their migratory course. At such times they 

 are seen in flocks of more than a hundred : they fly slowly, 

 and irregularly dispersed, sometimes rising and circling in 

 the air, so that their passage is leisurely performed. 



Those stragglers which arrive singly rest where they meet 

 with a bush or shelter, and remain for days or weeks about 

 the spot to recruit their strength, and then proceed on their 

 voyage ; and their places are supplied by fresh comers pur- 

 suing the same compulsory migration in search of food. In 

 the corn countries of the Continent this bird is of essential 

 use in destroying immense numbers of field-mice and similar 

 depredators, which, but for this seasonable check, would de- 

 stroy the hopes of the succeeding harvest. Yet, notwithstand- 

 ing the disgusting food consumed by the Buzzard, which 

 includes not only mice, but moles and carrion, this species 

 is considered a great delicacy in some Continental countries, 

 and eagerly sought after as an article of food. 



The Buzzard is a short, stout bird, with large and broad 

 wings : he is generally seen flying low, and resting from time 

 to time upon a little eminence, watching for mice or moles, 

 or he may be seen perched upon the branch of a tree. He 

 wants the energy to pursue flying birds, and is said not even 

 to catch partridges or pigeons, unless they are sick or weak. 

 We are, however, disposed from observation to think that 

 the Buzzard sometimes displays more energy than is attri- 

 buted to it. One, which is frequently about in this neigh- 

 bourhood, and appears to have nestlings in a wood at a little 

 distance, has several times shown a disposition to sweep off 

 one of a young brood of black turkeys now about the size of 

 partridges. 



In his search for moles, the Buzzard is said to show much 

 sagacity. In his usual patient manner he sits upon a stump, 



