cumstance that was conjectured by some of the older Orni- 
thologists. The specimen above named, is now deposited 
with the other idigenous birds belonging to the late Colonel 
Montagu, in the British Museum. 
The Hen-Harrier is in length about eighteen inches, 
and from tip to tip of the wings measures nearly three feet 
four inches ; its weight about thirteen or fourteen ounces. 
Bill short, much hooked, and black ; cere and irides in the 
adult, bright golden yellow ; legs long, slender, and yellow; 
claws black. The female, or Ringtail, is the subject of 
the accompanying plate. 
This species is common in most parts of Great Britain, 
and it continues through the year ; it flies low and heavily, 
generally skimming along the ground, and by the sides of 
hedge rows ; it feeds on reptiles, mice, and small birds ; 
it frequents meadows that are subject to be overflowed ; 
and often may be seen pouncing at Starlings, who frequent 
the same spots. Is not uncommon about the marshes of 
Kent and Essex bordering on London, and I have often 
observed it skimming over the fields on the side of the Kent 
Road, called Rolls's Meadows. 
