BIRDS OP PENNSYLVANIA. 31 



The Goshawk occurs in Pennsylvania only as a rare and irregular 

 visitant, during excessively severe winters, when no doubt it is forced 

 to leave the boreal regions, its chosen habitat, by scarcity of food. 

 Having had no opportunity of studying these birds in life, I add the fol- 

 lowing interesting account given by Audubon. The nest described 

 in the subjoined quotation was found in the Great Pine forest of this 

 State. u The flight of the Goshawk is extremely rapid and protracted. 

 He sweeps along the margins of the fields, through the woods, and by 

 the edges of ponds and rivers, with such speed as to enable him to 

 seize his prey by merely deviating a few yards from his course ; as- 

 sisting himself on such occasions by his long tail, which, like a rudder, 

 he throws to the right or left, upwards or downwards, to check his 

 progress, or enable him suddenly to alter his course. At times he 

 passes like a meteor through the underwood, where he secures squir- 

 rels and hares with ease. Should a flock of wild pigeons pass him 

 when on these predatory excursions, he immediately gives chase, soon 

 overtakes them, and, forcing his way into the very center of the flock, 

 scatters them in confusion, when you may see him emerging with a 

 bird in his talons, and diving towards the depth of the forest to feed 

 upon his victim. When travelling, he flies high, with a constant beat 

 of the wings, seldom moving in large circles like other hawks ; and, 

 when he does this, it is only a few times in a hurried manner, after 

 which he continues -his journey. 



" Along the Atlantic coast, this species follows the numerous flocks 

 -of ducks that are found there during the autumn and winter : and 

 greatly aids in the destruction of mallards, teals, black ducks, and 

 other species, in company with the Duck Hawk. It is a restless bird, 

 apparently more vigilant and industrious than many other hawks, and 

 it seldom alights unless to devour its prey ; nor can I recollect ever 

 having seen one alighted for many minutes at a time without having 

 a bird in its talons. When thus engaged with its prey, it stands nearly 

 upright: and, in general, when perched, it keeps itself more erect 

 than most species of hawks. It is extremely expert at catching snipes 

 on the wing; and so well do these birds know their insecurity, that, 

 on its approach, they prefer squatting to endeavoring to escape by 

 flight. 



i; When the passenger pigeons are abundant in the western country, 

 the Goshawk follows their close masses, and subsists upon them. A 

 single hawk suffices to spread the greatest terror among their ranks ; 

 .and the moment he sweeps towards a flock, the whole immediately 

 dive into the deepest woods, where, notwithstanding their great speed, 

 the marauder succeeds in clutching the fattest. While travelling 

 along the Ohio, I observed several hawks of this species in the train 

 of millions of these pigeons. Towards the evening of the same day, 

 6 BIRDS. 



