The Hen Harrier lives in 
England, and may be readily dis- 
tinguished from the other hawks 
by the manner in which the 
feathers radiate around the eyes, 
forming a kind of funnel-shaped 
depression, somewhat similar to, 
but not so perfect as that of the 
owl. This structure is thought to 
be serviceable to the bird, in 
giving it a wide range of vision 
in its hunting excursions. The 
flight of the Harrier is very low, 
seldom being more than a few 
yards above the ground, and 
as the bird flies along it beats 
every bush, and pries into every 
little covert in search of prey. 
There are few of the smaller ani- 
mals that do not fall victims to 
the Hen Harrier, which is always 
ready to pick up a field-mouse, a 
lizard, a small snake, a newt, or 
a bird, and will even pounce upon 
so large a bird as a partridge or 
pheasant. Sometimes it sits on 
a stone or small hillock, and from 
that post keeps up a careful watch 
on the surrounding country, sweep- 
ing off as soon as it observes indica- 
tions of any creature on which it 
may feed. 
The flight of the Elen Harrier, 
although it is not remarkable for 
its power, is yet very swift, easy, and gliding, and as the bird quarters the ground 
after its prey, is remarkably graceful. 
Like the Kestrel, the Hen Harrier appears to have regular hunting-grounds, 
and is very punctual in its visits. The nest of this bird is generally placed 
under the shadow of some convenient furze-bush, and is composed of a few sticks 
thrown loosely together, in which are deposited four or five very pale blue eggs. 
HEN HARRIER . — Circus cydneus. 
