Neiirling on Birds of Southeastern Texas. 173 
twigs, and is sometimes lined with a bunch of Spanish moss, but this may 
be accidental. 
130. Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea Ridg-w. Burrowing Owl. — 
This little Owl is every year increasing in numbers. Breeds in the higher 
prairies, and also in waste fields, in holes. They also breed in the burrows 
of the salamander, a species of Geomys , probably Geomys pinetis. I have 
not seen their eggs. 
131. Falco mexicanus polyagrus Coties. Prairie Falcon. — This 
noble bird is resident on the borders of woods near prairies, but it is by 
no means a common bird. Its flight is* graceful, but always low; its food 
is said to consist especially of Prairie Chickens and domestic fowl. 
132. iEsalon columbarius Kaufi. Pigeon Hawk. — Common in fall 
and winter, as soon as the large flocks of Blackbirds and different Finches 
appear from the north, among, which it makes great havoc. None remain 
to breed. They disappear quite early, usually in the first days of March. 
133. Tinnunculus sparverius Vieill. Sparrow Hawk. — Common 
in fall and winter, but nevser observed during the breeding season. This 
bird also does great harm among our small birds. 
134. Polyborus cheriway Cab. Caracara Eagle ; Mexican Eagle ; 
“Mexican Buzzard.” — Regularly distributed, but in this part of Texas 
is not so common as farther in the interior. It is a very showy bird, and 
the flight is extremely elegant and quick. Although it is very shy and not 
easily to be approached, it often builds its nest in trees not far from farm 
houses. The farmers say they are as harmless as Turkey Buzzards. The 
nest is usually from twenty-five to thirty feet above the ground and is 
built of sticks, sometimes lined with bits of cotton and Spanish moss ; the 
cavity is shallow. Often the birds, commonly single individuals, are to be 
observed with Vultures feeding together on carrion. 
135. Elanoides forficatus Ridg'w. Swallow-tailed Kite; Fork- 
tailed Kite. — Abundant summer sojourner from the first part of March 
to October. A beautiful bird, and one of the most characteristic species 
of this locality. Especially abundant in the bottom woods near prairies 
or fields. Nest very high in slender trees in the river and creek bottoms ; 
it is built of sticks and Spanish moss. I never had an opportunity to 
collect eggs of this bird as the nests, in almost every case, were out of 
reach. In August and September the birds are often seen in cotton fields, 
where they feed on cotton worms and other insects. They are particularly 
fond of small snakes, such as Leptophis. Rhinostoma coccinea , lizards 
{Anolius . carolinensis and Ameiva sex-lineata ). I never have seen them 
take a bird or a small quadruped. 
136. Elanus glaucus Coues. White-tailed Kite. — This rare and 
beautiful bird I have seen several times sailing over cotton fields. Its flight 
is easy and graceful, but not rapid ; sometimes it stops a few moments and 
then descends with great velocity to the ground to capture a lizard or a 
snake. It is not shy, and is easily recognized by its white tail. 
137. Ictinia subcaerulea Cones. Mississippi Kite. — Not a common 
summer resident, and very shy "and retiring in its habits. It is generally 
