74 
to be distinguished from it, except by its 
size. 
G. Montagu, Esq. (to whose indefatigable 
exertions the British ornithologist is indebted 
perhaps more than to any other author, not 
only for elucidating this class of birds, but of 
others equally obscure) has published such 
reasons to prove that they are male and fe- 
male of the same species, as must convince 
every reader. 
The male of this species, in its most per- 
fect plumage, measures eighteen inches and 
a half in length, and somewhat more than 
three feet in the expansion of its wings, and 
weighs about thirteen ounces. 
The female measures twenty inches in 
length, three feet nine inches in breadth, and 
weighs about eighteen ounces. 
Its nest is composed of sticks, rudely put 
together, nearly flat. It is generally placed 
upon some fallen branches of furze near the 
ground ; in which nest it deposits four eggs* 
of a reddish colour, with a few white spots. 
The eggs are a little inferior in size to that 
of the Moor. Buzzard. 
Montagu says, that "about the latter end 
