NORTH AMERICA. 



or never eat of anything that it has not itself killed ; and even that, if not in good eating 

 order, is sometimes rejected. 



The Sivalloic-tailed Hawk (F. furcatus) is a rery elegant species, which inhabits the south- 

 ern districts of the United States in 

 summer. It is very abundant in South 

 Carolina and Georgia, and still more so 

 in West Florida, and the extensive prai- 

 ries of Ohio and Indiana. They feed on 

 locusts and on a species of lizard which 

 is very numerous in that part of the 

 country, — and are said also to devour 

 small green snakes. The flight of this 

 bird is easy and graceful, with some- 

 times occasional sweeps among the trees. 



The Peregrine Falcon (^F. peregri- 

 ntts), which is known on our coast by 

 the name of duck-hawk. Is identical with 

 the gyr-falcon, or peregrine falcon of 

 Europe. It is not a numerous species, 

 but is seen occasionally in New England 

 and the Middle States. It is the same 

 that was formerly used by the nobility 

 of England in falconry, and was, by way 

 of eminence, called the falcon. It is one 

 of the most fierce and ])owerful of birds, 

 and is said to sacrifice even wild geese 

 to its rapacity. It is described as dart- 

 ing with the rapidity of an arrow upon 

 its prey ; it will often attack the wild 

 duck when on the wing, and strike it 

 down with its formidable feet, permitting 

 the duck to fall previously to securing it. 

 It is said to follow the steps of the 

 sportsman, knowing that the ducks will 

 then rise on the wing. The duck hawk builds his nest in the gloomy recesses of cedar forests, 

 and rears its young secure from all molestation. Its screams somewhat resemble those of 

 the bald eagle. 



The Black Vulture (Cathartes iota) has sometimes been confounded with the turkey buzzard ; 

 but they are much darker in their plumage than the latter, and do not even associate with them. 

 Their mode of flight also differs from that of the turkey buzzard ; the latter, though found in the 

 vicinity of towns, rarely ventures within them ; it is not so impatient of cold as the former, and 

 is likewise .ess lazy. In the towns and villages of the south, the black vultures may frequently be 

 seen sauntering about the streets, sunning themselves on the roofs of the houses, and the fences ; or, 

 if the weather be cold, cowering around the tops of the chimneys, to enjoy the benefit of the heat, 

 which to them is a peculiar gratification. They are protected by law or usage ; and may be 

 said to be completely domesticated, being as common as the domestic poultry, and equally 

 familiar. The inhabitants generally are disgusted with their filthy habits ; but notwithstanding, 

 being viewed as contributing to the removal of the dead animal matter, which, if permitted to 

 putrefy during the hot season, would render the atmosphere impure, they have a respect paid 

 them as scavengers, whose labors are subservient to the public good. 



The Turkey Buzzard (C aura) is found in vast flocks in the southern parts of the United 

 States, where it is of great utility in destroying snakes and vermin, and in devouring the dead 

 and putrid carcasses. This bird is about the size of a turkey ; the head and neck are bare of 

 feathers, and of a reddish color, and the sides of the head warted like those of the turkey ; the 

 whole plumage is a brownish black, with a purple and greenish gloss In different directions. 



The turkey buzzards are gregarious, peaceable, and harmless ; never offering any violence 

 to a living animal, nor depriving the husbandman of his stock. Hence, though in conse- 

 quence of their filthy habits thev are not beloved, yet they are respected for their usefulness, 



The Peregrine Falcon. 



