306 [ Marcu, 
*NAUCLERUS FURCATUS, L722. : 
This kite was numerous within ten miies of Racine, where they nested up to 
the year 1848, since which time they have abandoned this region. I have not 
seen one since 1850. They nested on tall elm trees about the 10th of June, 
and left us about the 1st of September. 
*BuTEo LaGcopus, Wilson. 
Not numerous. I have repeatedly seen this buzzard soar to great heights, 
notwithstanding the testimony of some ornithologists to the contrary. ‘They 
are in the habit, while in pursuit of mice, frogs, &c., of balancing themselves 
over marshy situations on the prairies. If not successful, they said off to other 
more suitable grounds, and renew the satne motion. When they espy the 
quarry, they dart directly upon it in the manner of the true falcon. Where there 
are trees, they may adopt a different mode of hunting. My observations apply 
to the prairies. 
*BuTEO BOREALIS, Gmel. 
Common. They do not remain with us during severe winters. I have a fine 
albino specimen of this species. Although pure white, the irides were yellow. 
This individual was known to inhabit a particular district in Huron Co., Ohio, 
for ten years. Although I had offered a liberal reward for the capture of the 
‘¢ white hawk,” it was several years before I succeeded in getting him. 
Butrreo vuuearis, Willoughby. 
Not numerous. One of our winter residents. 
*BuUTEO PENNSYLVANICUS, Wilson. 
Common. 
*BUTEO LINEATUS, Gmel. 
This noisy species is extremely numerous. The great number of hawks, of 
this and other species, that are often seen soaring in company during fine wea- 
ther, about the 20th of September, at which time they are migrating south, is 
almost incredible. 
*CIRCUS CYANEUS, Linz. 
Common. They build their nests entirely of grasses (carex,) placed on the 
ground in the middle of swampy marshes. Nest about the Ist of June. 
STRIGIN A, (14 species.) 
SURNIA FUNEREA, Gmel. 
A few visit us every winter. 
SURNIA NYCTEA, Lizz. 
Numerous on the prairies from November to March. 
*Scops asio, Lin. 
Common. In the month of June I caught four young ones just as they were 
about leaving the nest. They were a deep reddish brown, in all respects 
Similar to the old female which I shot at the time, and have preserved. 
*Scops NEVIA, Gmel. 
Common. Iam not yet satisfied that the mottled and red owls are specifically 
the same. 
*BuBO VIRGINIANUS, Gmel. 
One of our most numerous species. I once put a remarkably large and fine 
owl of this species into the same cage with the “ Washington Eagle,”? pre- 
viously mentioned, which soon resulted in a contest. The momenta bird was 
given to the owl, the eagle demanded it in his usual peremptory manner, which 
was promptly resisted with so much spirit and determination that for a time I 
was in doubt as to the result; but finally the eagle had to stand aside, and wit- 
ness the owl devour the coveted morsel. After several similar contests, it was 
mutually settled that possession gave an undisputed right, the owl not being 
