in the Interior of British North America . 
319 
locality were five in number. This nest was situated in a tree 
only 10 feet above a lake. 
A specimen and two eggs by M. Bourgeau, Saskatchewan 
Plains, July 9th, 1858. Skin 25 in. long, wing 17. This is 
the first instance of the eggs of this bird having been collected ; 
they are of a white colour, plain, or blotched more or less with 
reddish brown. 
This bird feeds on the Ground-Squirrels so common on the 
prairies; hence, I suppose, its name of “ Californian Squirrel- 
Hawk.” 
It is a fine powerful bird, and, in distinction from other hawks, 
is known to the Cree Indians by the name of Sa-qua-ta-mov, of 
which word I can find no interpretation; but they have shown 
their knowledge by classing the Black Hawk, last mentioned, 
along with this one, and calling it the black Sa-qua-ta-mov. 
The way in which birds adapt their habits to circumstances is 
strikingly shown on the prairie, where hawks and ravens will 
build even on low bushes ; and, again, along rivers where wolves 
are numerous, Canada Geese sometimes lay their eggs in the 
old nests of eagles. 
11. Circus hudsonius. Nos. 76, 92, 161. Saskatchewan 
Plains to Bocky Mountains, 1858. 
This bird is abundant throughout the interior; the indivi¬ 
duals vary much in the colour and markings of their plumage. 
Prom the fact, I suppose, of its feeding on snakes, it is known 
among the Crees as the “ Snake-hunter.” I have, however, never 
found anything but the remains of mice in the stomachs of many 
of these birds which I have opened. 
In 1858 I observed it as early as April 1st near the forks of 
the Saskatchewan; while the spring following I did not observe 
it before the 28th of that month at Bed Biver Settlement. The 
progress of the seasons of these two years was, however, very 
different. 
12. Aquila canadensis. On Saskatchewan Biver till No¬ 
vember 18th, 1858. Tail-feathers highly prized by the Indians. 
13. Haliaetus leucocephalus. Head, wing, and feet of 
an example obtained by M. Bourgeau, Saskatchewan Plains, 
/zh 
■ V 
/m 
7 
7 
