SWAINSON HAWK. 
342. Buteo swain so ni. 20 inches. 
Their plumage is extremely variable, having all of the in¬ 
tergradations from a sooty blackish to the typical bluish gray 
above, and white below, with breast a rich chestnut color. 
Their habits are nearly as variable as their plumage. In 
some localities they nest wholly in trees; in others upon the 
ground or on rocky ledges. They seem to prefer, though, the 
low open lands covered with sage bush, where their food 
consists almost wholly of the small rodents; squirrels; mice 
and grasshoppers, the latter being eaten in large numbers. 
Nest.—Is made similar to others of the family, laying two 
to four white eggs, splashed and spotted with various shades 
of brown, usually more about the larger end (2.20 x 1.70). 
Range.—Western North America, from the Mississippi to 
the Pacific Ocean, and Hudson Bay to southern California. 
MEXICAN GOSHAWK. 
346. Asturina plagiata. 17 inches. 
Pound in the southern borders of the United States and 
Mexico. These are graceful and active birds, feeding largely 
on small rodents. 
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