The Hen Harrier. 



463 



small dullish brown marks or streaks ; the linings of the wings 

 are ornamented with bars of russet brown. The legs are 

 yellow, and longer than are found in the generality of Hawks ; 

 the hocks are profuse, and well formed ; the claws are black. 

 These birds vary in size and colour according to age, as all 

 Hawks do. When they get older they become paler in 

 colour and have fewer markings. 



Habits and Breeding. — The Hen Harrier is indigenous to 

 England, and inhabits wild, isolated parts of the country, 

 open plains or hillsides, and places where there are steep 

 crags and rugged precipices, in the vicinity of woodlands and 

 heaths. In the North of England it is known by the name 

 of the Blue Hawk, and by some as the Dove-coloured Falcon. 

 It inhabits the whole range of the Cheviots, where it breeds. 

 The hen makes her nest on the ground — quite a primitive 

 affair — beneath a heather or furze bush, in some well- 

 sheltered and sequestered spot, or at the side of a hill or 

 precipice, and lays from three to five whitish eggs, with a 

 pale reddish hue. The young remain in the nest until fully 

 feathered, and are then dijBficult to secure. 



The Hen Harrier, when hawking, flies only a few feet above 

 the ground level, and quarters the ground as closely and care- 

 fully as a well-trained setter. When a bird or a young 

 leveret or rabbit is espied, the Harrier rises instantly in the 

 air to a height of several feet, and comes down on its prey 

 with a sudden and precipitate swoop, striking it savagely, 

 and usually killing its victim with one powerful blow. The 

 Hen Harrier is destructive and mischievous, and greatly dis- 

 liked by sportsmen and gamekeepers, being a powerful bird, 

 and full of pluck and spirit. It attacks hares, rabbits. Phea- 

 sants, Grouse, the Black Cock, Partridges, Snipes, and numerous 

 other birds. It can kill a rat at one blow, and displays great 

 courage, skill, and determination in its mode of attack. 



Methods of Captuee. — This bird is difficult to ensnare. 

 In winter, when food is scarce, it may be allured with a 

 live bait — a bird or a mouse — into a spring trap, but before 

 releasing it, it is necessary to secure its wings, and place 

 a strap round it, and then to cover over with a bag, or 

 place the captive in a covered basket or hamper. 



Food and Treatment. — The Hen Harrier feeds on various 

 kinds of birds and animals, lizards, newts, frogs, and snakes. 



