154 
BIRDS OF NEW MEXICO 
“settling on the rocks or grounds or in low trees in some spot sheltered 
from the wind, and where they would catch the first warm rays of the 
morning sun. They would not leave the roosting spot until well 
warmed, and at eight or nine o’clock might be seen sitting with wide¬ 
spread wings catching all the sun within reach” (1928a, p. 136). A pair 
of Vultures watched by Mr. Kempton, on reaching Indiana the middle 
of March, used their nest ground to roost in during the cold wet spring. 
The last of April he found them preparing their nest, “by pulling at the 
dry rotten wood on the side walls of the cavity with their beaks. When 
a large piece came loose the female would hold it down with one foot 
and tear it into small bits, which she spread about on the floor, where 
the eggs were to be deposited. The interested male bird was a hin¬ 
drance in nest making, and every now and then the female placed her 
head under his breast and pushed him out of the way. Once he tumbled 
out of the tree. However, undaunted, he clambered back keeping his 
head down, so that his mate colild not repeat her attack and more in the 
way than before” (1927, p. 143). 
When surprised at the nest the Vulture sometimes hisses at the 
intruder. At times it also gives “a subdued croak.” 
Additional Literature.—Hopkins, C. L., Auk, V, 248-251,1888.— Kempton, 
R. M., Wilson Bull., XXXIX, 142-145, 1927.— Sayles, Ira, Auk, IV, 51-56, 1887 
(sense of smell).— Tyler, J. G., Pacific Coast Avifauna, 9, 37-39, October 1, 1913. 
HAWKS, EAGLES, KITES, etc. Family Accipitridae 
The twenty-two North American species of Accipitridae show much 
diversity of form and habit. The Kites , which make long sustained 
flights, have long wings and short legs; the Accipilers , which make quick 
darting flights, have short wings, long legs and long tails; the Buleos , or 
Buzzards, which make “strong but measured flights” and often soar in 
circles, have heavy forms, long broad wings, and broad tails. Most of 
the hawks are of great economic value, living largely on small mammals. 
Their importance in removing game birds suffering from contagious 
diseases is also well understood (Preble). Their cries are “generally 
loud, startling, and characteristic of their fierce natures. They strike 
their prey with their feet, and use the bill to tear it into fragments” 
(Chapman). Their nests are usually bulky, and made of sticks. 
References.—Ferguson, A. L. and H. L., Auk, XXXIX, 488-496, 1922 
(migration).— Hausman, L. A., N. J. Agr. Exper. Station, Bull. 439, 1927 (eco¬ 
nomic relations).— Preble, E. A., A Plea for our Hawks, Nature Magazine, January, 
1927.— Seton-Thompson, Ernest, Bird-Lore, III, 189, 1901 (recognition marks). 
Subfamily Perninae 
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE: Elanoldes forficatus (Linnaeus) 
Description. — Length: 19.5-25.5 inches, wing 15.4-17.7, outer tail feathers 
12.5-14.5y bill .7-8, tarsus 1-1.3. Wings long, slender, acute, two quills cut out 
on inner webs, tail deeply forked; legs short and stout. Adults: Head, neck, band 
