MISSISSIPPI KITE. 
99 
so different, should so frequently associate together in air, I am 
at a loss to comprehend. We cannot for a moment suppose 
them mutually deceived by the similarity of each others flight: 
the keenness of their vision forbids all suspicion of this kind. 
They may perhaps be engaged, at such times, in mere amuse- 
ment, as they are observed to soar to great heights previous to 
a storm; or, what is more probable, may both be in pursuit of 
their respective food. One that he may reconnoitre a vast ex- 
tent of surface below, and trace the tainted atmosphere to his 
favourite carrion; the other in search of those large beetles, or 
coleopterous insects, that are known often to wing the higher 
regions of the air; and which, in the three individuals of this 
species of Hawk which I examined by dissection, were the 
only substances found in their stomachs. For several miles, as 
I passed near Bayo Manchak, the trees were swarming with a 
kind of Cicada, or locust, that made a deafening noise; and here 
I observed numbers of the Hawk now before us, sweeping about 
among the trees like Swallows, evidently in pursuit of these lo- 
custs; so that insects, it would appear, are the principal food of 
this species. Yet when we contemplate the beak and talons of 
this bird, both so sharp and powerful, it is difficult to believe 
that they were not intended by nature for some more formida- 
ble prey than beetles, locusts, or grasshoppers; and I doubt not 
but mice, lizards, snakes and small birds, furnish him with an 
% 
occasional repast. 
This Hawk, though wounded and precipitated from a vast 
height, exhibited, in his distress, symptons of great strength, 
and an almost unconquerable spirit. I no sooner approached to 
pick him up, than he instantly gave battle, striking rapidly 
with his claws, wheeling round and round as he lay partly on 
his rump; and defending himself with great vigilance and dex- 
terity; while his dark red eye sparkled with rage. Notwith- 
standing all my caution in seizing him, to carry him home, he 
struck his hind claw into my hand with such force as to pene- 
trate into the bone. Anxious to preserve his life, I endeavoured 
gently to disengage it; but this made him only contract it the 
