79 
" From the account here given of the 
Hen-harrier, it is quite clear that the change 
of plumage is effected in the autumn of the 
year after it leaves the nest, and not in the 
same year ; and as it is between three and 
four months in the act of moulting, it is cer- 
tainly very extraordinary that so few in- 
stances have occurred of its being killed in 
that state which might have been decisive. 
That such has been taken is evident, by the 
description of Falco Hudsonius of authors, 
which is doubtless this bird in change of 
plumage." 
This species of Falcon is often found about 
heaths and other retired places; especially 
in the neighbourhood of marshy grounds, 
where they destroy vast numbers of snipes ; 
it likewise devours frogs, lizards, &c. It 
flies low, skimming along the surface of the 
ground in search of its prey, and is not known 
to settle on trees. 
A gentleman who was shooting in Hamp- 
shire, sprung a pheasant in a wheat-stubble, 
and shot at it; when, notwithstanding the 
report of the gun, it was pursued by a Hen- 
harrier, but escaped into some covert. He 
