464 



British Cage Birds. 



In confinement, it may be fed the same as the Kestrel and 

 Sparrow Hawk, but prefers birds, mice, and frogs given to 

 it alive. A bird of this species requires to be kept in a 

 place not less than 5ft. or 6ft. square to preserve it in good 

 health and condition. 



Eeaeing the Young. — Pursue the same treatment as re- 

 commended in the Chapter on the " Kestrel Hawk," and, 

 when the young are fully fledged, they may be fed with 

 flesh meat, birds, mice, frogs, and newts. 



Distinguishing Maeks of Cock and Hen. — The female is 

 larger than the male, being 20in. in length, and is altogether 

 different in plumage. On the upper parts she is reddish 

 brown, and on the under reddish yellow, with dark russet 

 brown longitudinal streaks and spots. The primary feathers 

 of the wings are dusky brown. The sexes are easily dis- 

 tinguished. At one time they were looked upon by orni- 

 thologists as two distinct varieties on account of this great 

 difference. The young resemble the mother in colour ; the 

 males, however, assume the bluish grey plumage after their 

 first moult. 



Song, — See remarks under this head in Chapter LXXXIH., 

 on the Sparrow Hawk." 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — The Hen Harrier is 

 too large to be kept as a regular show bird, and is in other 

 respects unsuitable. Contour, purity of colour, evenness and 

 closeness of feather, well-formed wings and tail, good carriage, 

 condition, and cleanliness, would be regarded as the dis- 

 tinguishing points of beauty. 



General Eemarks. — The Hen Harrier should only be kept 

 by those who have a superabundance of spare ground attached 

 to their premises, or some convenient building which could 

 be set apart for its use. A properly-constructed domicile, 

 about the size of a small summer-house, should be erected, 

 either with hedge stakes or wooden rails, say 2in. wide 

 and lin. in thickness. The top should be thatched with 

 whins or rushes, or covered with wood or zinc ; and the 

 bird ought to be afforded some protection from the north 

 and east winds, with a few boards, or a thatching of 

 whins, firmly staked against the side of the erection. Some 

 good stout perches are needed, one being fixed near the roof, 

 to form a roost. This bird must not be trusted with its 



