INTRODUCTION. 
Ixxv 
CHAPTER IV. 
On the Manners and Affections of Birds. 
The different species of birds, in their flight and manner of walking, move 
in peculiar attitudes, by which the practical ornithologist can, with facility, 
distinguish them ; whether, like the Swallow, pursuing its insect food on 
the wing, now skimming near the surface of the earth with surprizing 
agility in waving lines, or wheeling high in the air, with astonishing rapi- 
dity of evolution ; or, like the Kite, sailing slowly through the atmosphere, 
or resting on its bosom insidiously lurking for prey ; whether restlessly 
fluttering from branch to branch, like the Titmice ; or watching, in motion- 
less stupidity the scaly fry in the shallows, like the Heron ; whether run- 
ning with velocity, like the Wagtail, or strutting, in slow and solemn pace, 
like the Raven and the Daw ; some obvious distinctions arise, which 
inform the attentive and judicious investigator, with certainty, of the 
object of his view, even when the colours and shape of the bird cannot 
accurately be discerned. Thus the long- winged Hawks, or those of the 
generous tribe, as they were once called, depending upon their swiftness, 
their piercing sight, and undaunted boldness, for the capture of their prey, 
usually slide through the air with astonishing velocity, sometimes 
moving their wings with extreme rapidity, then rushing on without ap- 
parent exertion from the force of the former impulse ; but Kites, Buzzards, 
and the short- winged Hawks, unendued with that swiftness which dis- 
tinguishes the former birds, wave slowly round in circles, prowling for 
