MARSH HAWK. 



69 



Buntings that spread such devastation among that grain, in its 

 early stage. As it sails low, and swiftly, over the surface of the 

 field, it keeps the flocks in perpetual fluctuation, and greatly in- 

 terrupts their depredations. The planters consider one Marsh 

 Hawk to be equal to several negroes for alarming the Rice birds. 

 Formerly the Marsh Hawk used to be numerous along the Schuyl- 

 kill and Delaware, during the time the reeds were ripening, and 

 the Reed-birds abundant; but they have of late years become less 

 numerous here. 



Mr. Pennant considers the " strongs thick ^ and short legs'' of 

 this species as specific distinctions from the Ring-tailed Hawk; the 

 legs, however, are long and slender; and a Marsh Hawk such as he 

 has described, with strong, thick and short legs, is no where to be 

 found in the United States. 



VOL. VI 



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