BUZZARD. 75 



or upon the earth, near the mound inhabited by this quad- 

 ruped, and watches for the stirring of the soil : as soon as he 

 perceives a movement, he pounces with both feet upon the 

 mound, and if successful drags forth the unfortunate animal 

 and devours it. 



Whether in thus destroying moles the Buzzard deserves 

 to be considered as the friend or the enemy of the agricul- 

 turist is a doubtful question, for the able discussion of which 

 we must refer our readers to the highly interesting account 

 of that extraordinary animal in Mr. Bell's admirable work on 

 British Quadrupeds. 



The partiality of the Buzzard for moles, and the means 

 employed for capturing them, explain the reason of this bird, 

 being often found with its feet covered with mud and earth. 

 Field-mice are also a favourite repast with the Buzzard, and 

 seven or eight have been found in the stomach of a dissected 

 bird. Besides the above-named articles of food, this species 

 preys upon young hares and rabbits, rats, frogs, and snakes, 

 also upon birds and insects. 



These birds pair early in March, and about this time are 

 seen sporting in circling flight above their retreat in the man- 

 ner pursued by many other birds at the same season. The 

 place chosen in which to construct their nest is a lofty fir, 

 oak, or other forest-tree of similar size : the nest is flat, and 

 consists of sticks lined with moss or hair. Frequently, to 

 save the labour of constructing their nest, these indolent birds 

 take possession of the old habitation of some other bird, or 

 repair their own nest of the preceding year. The eggs are 

 usually three, and the young birds when hatched are covered 

 with a whitish down. They are assiduously fed and tended 

 by the parent birds, and remain a long time in the nest, and 

 after quitting it require still, for a considerable period, the 

 parental care of the old birds. 



No birds vary more in the colour of their plumage than 



