Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924022522563 CORNELL LAB of ORNITHOLOGY LIBRARY at Sapsucker Woods Illustration of Bank Swallow by Louis Agassiz Fuertes LABORATORY OF ORNITHOLOGY CORNELL UNIVERSITY ITHACA, NEW YORK i DATE DUE | i | i i \ I | = PRINTED IN U.S.A. GAYLORD ace U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DIVISION OF ORNITHOLOGY AND MAMMALOGY ; BULLETIN No. 3 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES IN THEIR RELATION TO AGRICULTURE PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF Dr, C. HART MERRIAM, OrRNITHOLOGIST BY A. K. FISHER, M. D. ASSISTANT ORNITHOLOGIST ~ TAs keled bey OL, Ride way | PURLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1893 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, , U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, DIVISION OF ORNITHOLOGY AND MAMMALOGY, Washington, D. C., October 5, 1892. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, as Bulletin No. 3 of this Division, a report on the Hawks and Owls of the United States, with special reference to the economic status of the various species, by Dr. A. K. Fisher, assistant ornithologist. This work was written several years ago, but was withheld from publication until provision could be made for suitable reproduction of the colored illustrations, without which the bulletin would have been of comparatively little value to the class of readers for whose benefit it was specially prepared. The statements herein contained respecting the food of the various hawks and owls are based on the critical examination, by scientific experts, of the actual contents of about 2,700 stomachs of these birds, and consequently may be fairly regarded as a truthful showing of the normal food of each species. The result proves that a class of birds commonly looked upon as enemies to the farmer, and indiscriminately destroyed whenever occasion offers, really rank among his best friends, and with few exceptions should be preserved, and encouraged to take up their abode in the neighborhood of his home. Only six of the 73 species and subspecies of hawks and owls of the United States are injurious. ‘ Of these, three are so extremely rare they need hardly be considered, and another (the Fish Hawk) is only indirectly injurious, leaving but two (the Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks) that really need be taken into account as enemies to agriculture. Omitting the six species that feed largely on poultry and game, 2,212 stomachs were examined, of which 56 per cent contained mice and other small mammals, 27 per cent insects, and only 34 per cent poultry or game birds. In view of these facts the folly of offering bounties for the destruction of hawks and owls, as has been doue by several States, becomes apparent, and the importance of an accurate knowledge of the economic status of our common birds and mammals is overwhelmingly demonstrated. Respectfully, C. Hart MERRIAM, Chief of Division. Hon. J. M. Rusx, Secretary of Agriculture. CONTENTS. Letter of transmittal <0 cessce ae disci cic eSieaeeee as ae adegae a ene ceaem one Table of contents.........---..-...----- Meek Mao aeisis we EE OES Sane List of illustrations Introduction sscceccee gene sieecasmccces sveesieen veces sseeeeouer ee se seee ees Biographies of species: Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus).......----- 222-222-2222 2ee eee ee White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) .....-....-.-.---2-2-2222-0--2-- 2222 Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) ..........--..--2---2.222----200- Everglade Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis)...........- 2-2-2 ---2 2-22-22 02------ Marsh Hawk (Circus hudsonius).......-.-.- 22-22-2222 -20 222 cece eee eee eee Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter velox) .......--2. 2222-22222 22 eee eee eee Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperi) meer Goshawk (A ccipiter atricapillus)........-2.2-2 2-020 eee ee eee eee ee Serer Harris’s Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi).......2-.--.2222- 022-22 2222 ee Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis) ........2.--22.222-2 222002 eee eee eee ee Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)......-.-...--22--- 22-2222 eee eee Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo abbreviatus)..........-2-02. 22022-0222 eee eee eee White-tailed Hawk (Buteo albicaudatus).....-.--2-.-2222-20202 2222-222 22-- Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)......---. 2222222020 eee ee eee eee Cooper’s Buzzard (Buteo cooperi) -........--2-2 2-2-2 2222202 eee eee eee eee Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo latissimus).....-...---2 2222-220 -222 222220 220 Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus)..-....2.2..-2--. 222-22 -020-0 eee ee Mexican Black Hawk ( Urubitinga anthracina) Mexican Goshawk (Asturina plagiata)...-.-.--------22 2222-22202 eee eee Rough-legged Hawk (Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis) ............-.--. Ferruginous Rough-leg (Archibuteo ferrugineus).....-.--....2-. 222222200. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaétos) ..-. 22.2222. 2220 2222 eee eee ee eee eee Bald Eagle (Haliwetus leucocephalus)....-...--- 2222-22-00. eee eee ee eee Gyrfalcons (Falco islandus et Falco rusticolus).....----.+.-2-22-2-+2--2.---- Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) ....--.. 22-222 -222 22-22 eee ee eee ee eee Duck Hawk (Falco peregrinus anatum)........----- +222 2-2-2222 ee eee eee Pigeon Hawk (Falco columbarius) ...... Aogansine <3 sels ta daddys dade Semaine a Richardson’s Merlin (Falco richardsonii).......-.-2--.---2 2-20-2220 0 22 eee Aplomado Falcon (Falco fusco-carulescens) ...--.- 2222-020. 2220 eee ee eee Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius)......---. 2-2-0220 20 cece cee eee eee eee Audubon’s Caracara (Polyborus cheriway) .........---2-. 2-2-2 2-e0e0 eee eee Osprey (Pandion haliuétus carolinensis) ...-.....--2.---- 200. eee eee eee eee Barn Owl (Strix pratincola) ...-.. 2... 2222 cee en ne ce ee eee eee eee Long-eared Owl (Asio wilsonianus)....-.-.-- 20-02 220 20 ee eee eee eee eee Short-eared Owl (Asio accipitrinus) ........ 220.222.2222 eee ee eee eee Barred Owl (Syrnium nebulosum) ......-222---- 2202 e eee eee ee eee eee Spotted Owl (Syrnium occidentale). .......22. 022-22. 00. 202 eee eee eee ee Great Gray Owl (Scotiaptex cinerea) ...-.. 2. 200 eee ee eect eee ee eee 6 CONTENTS. Biographies of species—Contfnued. Page. Richardson’s Owl (Nyctala tengmalmi richardsoni)..-.-...-+2-2--------+6- 159 Saw-whet Owl (Nyctala acadicd) ...-2. 2-220 ene ne eee eee eee eee 160 Screech Owl] (Megascops a8i0)..-. +2. 200 cece cence eee eee eee eee 163 Flammulated Screech Owl (Megascops flammeolus)....-...-.-.------------ 173 Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) .....----------- 2+ eee eee eee eee 174 Snowy Owl (Nyctea nycted)...--- 2-22-20 e202 0-2 eee Lseeesued emncesalere: ages 182 Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula caparoch)....-.-2-2-2- 0222 e ween e eee ee nee eee 187 Burrowing Ow] (Speotyto cunicularia hypogw@a)...--.---------------20+ 22-5 189 Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium gnomda) ...---. 2-22.02 2222 wee ee eee ee eee eee eee 196 Ferruginous Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium phalanoides) ..-....---------- 22-20 189 Elf Owl (Micropatlas whitneyi) .... .2.cceeceee cece cece ee cece ce cece eee eee 200 ILLUSTRATIONS, Page. Plate 1. Swallow-tailed Kite (Zlanoides forficatus)....-....-2--.--2+++-++--- 20 2. Mississippi Kite (Iclinia mississippiensis)..--..-..--2--.---- 40-2 eee eee 24 3. Marsh Hawk (Circus hudsonius)....2...2-2- 02.2222 2 eee ee eee eee eee 26 4, Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter velow)......----.-.---- -----+ 2-22 32 5. Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperi)......--.. ..---- 2-222. eee ee eee’ 38 6. Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus) ........---2.----- 2-2 - eee eee eee ee eee 43 7. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis). ........ 22.2020. 0220-20 eee eee ee 48 8. Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lincatus) ........2-2.-0222 0-20 cece nee 62 9. Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) ........----------- 2-2 eee eee eee 72 10. Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo latissimus)..........-------2----------+- 79 11. Rough-legged Hawk (Archibuteo 1. sancti-johannis)........--...----- 86 12. Ferruginous Rough-leg (drchibuteo ferrugineus)......---.-..-----+-- 91 18. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaétos) ........-2--.222--2 0222-22 eee 93 14. Bald Eagle (Haliwetus leucocephalus) ....-.-..--.--------2--+ 2 -+---- 97 15. Duck Hawk (falco peregrinus anatum) ......--.--+-- 2222-202 -+-- +--+ 106 16. Pigeon Hawk (Falco columbarius) ....--.--..------2--+2 222222222 2+ 109 17. Sparrow Hawk (faleo sparverius) ....--..---..-2--22----20 0-22 eee 115 18. Osprey (Pandion haliaétus carolinensis). .......-.22- +--+. -0-2-020--- 130 19. Barn Owl (Strix pratincola) ......---.---.: Ge OuE NESS SEG Ae EERE Ae eee 132 20. Long-eared Owl (Asio wilsonianus) ......-.-------------22 22-2 --2--- 140 21. Short-eared Owl (Asio accipitrinus)..........-2. 2-22-2222. 0-2 eee eee 145 22. Barred Owl (Syrnium nebulosum) ...--.------------ eee eee eee eee eee 150 23. Screech Owl (Megascops asio). ...-...----------- 2-22 eee ee eee ee eee 163 24. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) ......-2.. --22------ 2222-2 eee 174 25. Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia hypogwa) ..-.-.-. ---..---+----- 189 26. Dwarf Screech Owl (Afegascops flammeolus idahoensis) -....--.-.----. 178 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. INTRODUCTION. That birds are not only beautiful but that they perform an important economic office is an almost universal belief; and it is also generally admitted that they should be protected by law and their increase en- couraged in every way possible. To the farmer, however, it is well known that certain kinds, as crows, robins, blackbirds, rice birds, and some others, are more or less injurious, and at times do great damage to the growing or ripened crops. When certain birds are known to be harmful to agricultural interests, the farmer has a right to ask that the protection of law be withdrawn from such species, and even that means be taken to diminish their numbers. At first it might seem an easy matter to class birds into two great groups, the injurious species and the beneficial species; but in reality it is very difficult, for however harmful a species may be at one season of the year or in a certain region, it may be quite the reverse at another season or in a different region. Thus the bobolink is one of the most highly-prized visitors in the Northern States, and the damage it does to the crops there is so infinitesimal that this weighs nothing against the attractions of its presence and the beauty of its song; in the Southern States this same bobolink, so changed in plumage as to easily pass under an alias, the rice-bird, does immense damage to the rice crop—a damage which amounts to over a million of dollars a year. Another example of the beneficial-injurious species is the crow. What farmer needs to be told of the unprincipled conduct of Jim Crow at and immediately after corn-planting time. The ever-present scare- crow bears mute witness to the crow’s fondness for corn and his thieving habits. But when the corn is past danger the crow changes from an obnoxious to an exemplary member of bird society, and the war he wages on the cutworm earns him no scanty meed of praise from the grass farmer. Thus it will be seen that the division of our birds into beneficial and harmful kinds is not the easy task it seems, and that even farmers may differ widely as to the status of a certain kind. However they may fail to agree concerning the species just mentioned and others that might be named, there seems to be but one opinion the broad land over as to the status of the hawks and owls; they at least are believed to be 9 10 INTRODUCTION. wholly harmful; and not only is the farmer boy encouraged to kill every hawk and owl about the farm and to destroy its nest, but the powers of the law are invoked to offer the incentive of bounties for hawks’ and owls’ heads. If this widespread belief in the harmful propensities of these birds is correct, then their wholesale destruction is laudable. If, however, such belief is erroneous, the consequences are mischievous enough. It is important to observe that all the rapacious birds are slow breed- - ers, and, contrary to popular belief, there is no good evidence that any of them have two broods a year, though of courseif the first set of eggs is lost another one will be deposited. There is every reason why they should not raise more than one brood, for notwithstanding the fact that they breed very early in the year, the young grow slowly and remain along time in the nest. Hence the tax upon the parent birds to secure enough food to satisfy the enormous appetites of their slow-growing progeny is very great, probably twice that made upon the sigeaie of any other order of land birds. State laws, therefore, passed for the destruction of hawks and owls, and offering a bounty on their heads, are very effective, either for good or evil. One of the counties of Pennsylvania paid out in a year over $5,000 for scalps of birds of prey. In the light of the foregoing facts it will readily be understood how long a time it will take to replace these birds, whose destruction cust the State of Pennsylvania so much money, in case their services are wanted. There is no doubt that this State and others which have passed similar laws have made a serious mistake; for it is indisputable that the opinion about hawks and owls, so widespread and popular, is not well founded; and it.is the pur- pose of this bulletin to set forth the results of many years’ observations with the view of dispelling the popular illusion regarding the destruc- tiveness of hawks and owls as a class. It may be stated with confi- dence— ° (1) That owls are among the most beneficial of all birds, inflicting very little damage upon the poulterer and conferring vast benefits upon the farmer. The relations which owls bear to agriculture are peculiar and important. Their eyesight, unlike that of hawks, which hunt by day, is by no means so defective in daylight as popularly sup- posed, but is keenest in the early hours of evening and in early morning. Hunting thus in dim light, their food consists largely of those ani- mals which hawks do not trouble at all, or destroy only in small numbers. The work of owls thus supplements that of hawks and materially assists in preventing an undue increase of many obnoxious rodents. Again, though owls are somewhat migratory they are far less so asa class than ‘hawks, and hence in winter, when the latter have left the Northern States for warmer climes, they remain at home and carry on their incessant warfare against injurious rodents. (2) That all hawks, with possibly one or two exceptions, are to some extent beneficial to the farmer. INTRODUCTION. 4 1i Although the facts concerning the food of hawks and owls are set forth in detail under the severalspecies, afew words are here added on this the most important branch of the subject to the farmer. For con- venience of discussion the forty-nine species and twenty-four subspe- cies of rapacious birds may be separated into four classes, as follows: (a) Those wholly beneficial or wholly harmless. (b) Those chiefly beneficial. , (c) Those in which the beneficial and harmful qualities seem to bal- ance each other. (ad) Those positively harmful. The first class (a) includes six species: Rough-legged Hawk, Squir- rel Hawk, Swallow-tailed Kite, White-tailed Kite, Mississippi Kite, and Everglade Kite. The Rough-legged Hawk, one of our largest species, seems to feed exclusively upon the smaller rodents, and, as it is found within the United States from October to April, the number of meadow mice it destroys is almost incalculable. It passes under the name of ‘Hen Hawk,’ and many a luckless Rough-leg is shot for the latter, and per- haps a bounty collected on it, when in fact it never destroyed a hen or chicken in its life. The statement of Pennant and some of the earlier writers, that it attacks ducks and other birds, lacks confirmation. The Squirrel Hawk, a near cousin to the Rough-leg, has received its name because of its inordinate fondness for the ground squirrels, which are so terribly destructive to the crops in the far West. The four kites named above, while not so beneficial to the farmer as the two hawks just mentioned, are harmless to poultry, and feed largely upon reptiles, insects, and snails. The second class (b), those mainly beneficial, includes the greater number of species, and to it belong some of the most widely distributed and best known hawks. It includes the following: Marsh Hawk, Harris’ Buzzard, Red-tailed, Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Short-tailed Hawk, White-tailed Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Short-winged Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Mexican Black Hawk, Mexican Goshawk, Spar- row Hawk, Audubon’s Caracara, Barn Owl, Long-eared Owl, Short- eared Owl, Great Gray Owl, Barred Owl, Western Barred Owl, Rich- ardson’s Owl, Acadian Owl, Screech Owl, Flammulated Screech Owl, Snowy Owl, Hawk Owl, Burrowing Owl, Pygmy Owl, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, and Elf Owl. The Marsh Hawk, which heads the list, is also one of the first in economic importance. It is distributed over the entire United States, is abundant almost everywhere, and may be easily recognized by its long, slim form and from the manner in which it beats back and forth over the prairies, marshes, and meadows in search of ground squirrels and mice, of which it annually destroys vast numbers. It would have 12 “INTRODUCTION. a secure place in the first class were it not for the fact that occasion- ally it seizes small birds and, less frequently, a stray chicken. Stillthe harm it does in this way is inconsiderable compared with the benefits it confers by the destruction of harmful rodents. The Buzzard Hawks, which include the next nine species, are large and sluggish and too slow of wing to secure such agile prey as wild birds or even poultry. Their staple food consists of small mammals, insects, snakes, toads, and frogs. The Red-tailed Hawk, in some respects the representative of the group, is one of the best known hawks, and shares with the Red- shouldered Hawk the odious appellation of ‘Hen Hawk.’ It is not to be denied that both species occasionally attack poultry, but the amount destroyed is so small compared with their other food—mostly noxious animals—that it is scarcely to be considered, except perhaps by the individual farmer whose barnyard happens to be visited by the robber. Moreover, in a large majority of cases the poultry and game secured by these hawks are the less active individuals, which frum age, accident, or disease are unable to escape from their attacks. The Red-shouldered Hawk is probably one of the most omnivorous of our birds of prey—eating with apparent relish the following crea- tures, which represent as many different classes: Mice, birds, snakes, frogs, fish, grasshoppers, centipedes, spiders, crawfish, earthworms, and snails. At least 65 per cent of its food consists of injurious mammals, and, taking into consideration also the number of insects devoured, the showing is remarkably good for the poor ‘Hen Hawk,’ especially when less than 2 per cent consists of the food which confers upon it that sobriquet. Both these hawks suffer for the misdeeds of others, and are striking examples of the effects of having a bad name. Swainson’s Hawk is another of the Buteos which is of great service, warring upon creatures which do injury to crops. Its food is much the same as that of the other hawks of this class, except that insects seem to be eaten in larger numbers. Grasshoppers and crickets are particularly sought after, and on the foothills and plains of the West Swainson’s Hawks congregate in large flocks wherever these insects are abundant. Dr. Merriam has estimated that at least 200 grasshop- pers are consumed daily by one hawk; and in the course of a month a tlock of about 165 individuals, which is a small estimate of the num- ber actually seen together in various localities feeding upon grasshop- pers, will destroy 1,000,000 adult insects—a benefit to agriculture which no farmer can fail to appreciate. When we consider the enormous amount of damage grasshoppers have inflicted in a single season in some of the Western States—Kausas for instance-—the great benefit that results from the labors of this and other hawks can not be doubted. Many of the game birds—as the tur- key, prairie chicken, sage cock, and quail—devour many grasshoppers; INTRODUCTION. 13 but these birds are valuable as food, and as a consequence have been nearly exterminated in some States, and their numbers are fast being depleted in all. They can no longer be depended upon as allies of the farmer. The same is true of many animals, like the skunks and foxes, and also snakes, all of which, for different reasons, are killed when- ever possible. So itis that their natural enemies having been exter- .Ininated or much reduced in numbers, noxioufs insects, such as grass- hoppers, have a chance, when favored by exceptionable seasons, to multiply to an astonishing extent; and so it is that having multiplied to a degree impossible to calculate, they suddenly assume the offen- sive, and, like an invading army, take possession of the whole country and strip it of every green thing. Surely no more economical method of holding these hordes in check can be desired than the fostering of means already provided by nature. Apparently quite ignorant of the habits of hawks and owls, the legislature of at least one of the West- ern States—Colorado—some years since passed a bounty act which in- cluded these birds. As aresult thousands of grasshopper-eating hawks were destroyed at the expense of the State—an expense by no means to be estimated by the number of dollars paid out as blood money; for if the destruction be carried far enough and the birds of prey actually exterminated, there is every reason to believe that sooner or later one of the consequences will be another grasshopper plague.* The Broad-winged Hawk is another species which feeds to a consid- erable extent on insects, destroying vast numbers of grasshoppers and crickets. It is especially fond of the larve of the large moths which feed on the leaves of fruit and shade trees, and during the late summer and early autumn it is exceptional to find one that has not been indul- ging in this kind of food. Snakes, toads, frogs, and the smaller rodents also form a considerable portion of its fare. It rarely attacks birds. The little Sparrow Hawk is the only one of the true falcons which can be placed in the present class, and, although at times it follows the example of its larger congeners and attacks small birds and young poultry, these irregularities are so infrequent compared with its con- stant good service in destroying insects and mice that they are hardly to be considered. It is, in fact, too small to cope with any but very small chickens. Grasshoppers and crickets form its principal food during the warmer months, while mice predominate during the rest of the year. Among the owls of this class which deserve special mention the Barn Owl is probably the most important from an economic point of view, and it is questionable whether it should not have been placed in the previous class, as its food is almost entirely made up of injurious mam- mals. In the West it feeds very largely on pouched gophers, and the * The writer, who passed through the counties of Bent and Logan in July, 1892, saw every indication of the commencement of another grasshopper plague, as myriads of grasshoppers were feeding on the alfalfa and wheat. 14 INTRODUCTION. stomach contents of the individuals examined and the fragments of food found about its nests reveal traces of very little else than the remains of these rodents. To appreciate properly the services of this owl it must be remembered that the pouched gophers are among the most, if not the most, destructive mammals which inhabit this country. In the South this ow] lives largely on cotton rats, another very destruc- tive animal, and at various places it has been found to feed extensively on the common rat. : The Long-eared and Short-eared Owls feed extensively on mice and sparingly on small birds—mostly grain-eating or seed-eating species, which are of slight economic importance. All of the common species of mice are found among the stomach contents, and as both birds are numerous the service done the farmer is correspondingly great. The Barred Owl, if any reliance may be placed upon the accounts of earlier writers, feeds largely upon poultry and game, though from more recent investigations it would seem that either the bird has modified its habits or that the statements of their destructiveness are very much exaggerated. Our own examinaticns, so far as they go, prove that less than 3 per cent of the food of this bird consists of poultry, while a large proportion consists of such rodents as rabbits, squirrels, and various species of rats and mice. It feeds quite extensively also on frogs and crawfish. . The little Screech Owl, so well known in most parts of the country, is indefatigable in its work of destroying mice and insects. It may often be seen at dusk hovering about barns and outhouses watching for mice, or skimming over the fields or along the hedge rows in search of grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles. During the time it is caring for its young it occasionally captures small birds, as well as in winter when hard pressed for food. As an offset, the individuals inhabiting the city parks have learned to feed more or less extensively on the _ English sparrow, for which good service they should be particularly commended, as the English sparrow has become a most destructive nuisance. The Burrowing Owl is the only remaining species of this class which will be specially mentioned. During the warmer parts of the year it feeds extensively on scorpions, centipedes, grasshoppers, crickets, and various species of beetles, as well as on mice and ground squirrels. Few birds are destroyed byit. Occasionally when other food is scarce, especially in the northern part of its range in winter, it is forced to prey upon small birds, from necessity rather than choice. There is no excuse whatever for destroying this owl and it should be protected by law. The third class (c) includes those birds whose beneficial and noxious qualities about balance one another. As was said above of birds gen- erally, so it may be said of hawks and owls, that frequently a species which in one place is properly to be considered noxious from its pred- INTRODUCTION. 15 atory visits to the farmyard or because of attacks on game and song birds, in another locality may be of immense value on account of its service in destroying injurious mammals or insects. For example, the Great Horned Owl, which in the East is persistent in its attacks on poultry and game, in the rabbit-infested portions of the West destroys such immense numbers of these rodents that its assistance is Invaluable to the farmer. The above statement applies with greater or less force to the following species, which are included in the third class: Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Pigeon Hawk, Richardson’s Hawk, Aplomado Fal- con, Prairie Falcon, and Great Horned Owl. The Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle may be considered as beneficial to the agriculturist in parts of the country where rabbits, prairie dogs, or gophers are common, but in sections where sheep are extensively raised they ave often very injurious. The latter species, our National Bird, by preference eats fish and isa successful fish-catcher when it can not get the Fish Hawk to do its fish- ing for it. It also feeds extensively on dead fish which have washed ashore. In some localities, especially in the South, it is destructive to waterfowl, killing any and all of the species, from swans and geese down to the smaller ducks and coots. However, as it has been chosen for our national emblem, we should not begrudge it a livelihood and may, perhaps, allow it to choose what it will in the way of wild game- The Prairie Falcon, whose fondness for many of the ground squirrels causes it to follow them relentlessly, in this way nearly, if not quite, balances the harm it does by destroying waterfowl and upland game as well as insectivorous birds. The Pigeon Hawk, Aplomado Falcon, and Richardson’s Merlin are true falcons, whose food consists of birds of various kinds, but they consume enough injurious insects and mammals to partially offset the harm done. The fourth and last class (d) includes those species which feed mainly on animals that subserve a useful purpose to man and do not to any appreciable extent destroy noxious animals. The following species are included in this class: Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Goshawk, Duck Hawk, the Gyrfalcons, and Fish Hawk. Fortunately the Goshawk is comparatively rare in most farming dis- tricts of the United States, as it is a bifd of the far North; otherwise its destructiveness to poultry would be very great. Few species are more fond of poultry and game, and its large size enables it to carry off with ease a full-grown chicken. Ruffed grouse too often fall a prey to it, and on account of its partiality to this bird it is known as ‘ Par- tridge Hawk’ in some parts of the country. In fall and winter it cap- tures’ a considerable number of squirrels and rabbits and with ease strikes down a full-grown northern hare. Coopev’s Hawk is a common species in suitable localities throughout the United States and southern Canada. Much of the ill-favor with which birds of prey as a whole are looked upon is due to the depreda- 16 INTRODUCTION. tions of this, the true ‘Chicken Hawk,’ together with those of its smaller congener, the Sharp-shinned Hawk. Both species feed almost exclu- sively on the flesh of either domesticated or wild birds. When they find a farm where chickens can be captured with impunity they make daily excursions to it, and unless killed will sometimes nearly depopu- late the yard. Domesticated pigeons are particularly sought after by Cooper’s Hawk, and when a keen-eyed individual once locates a cote the destruction to the inmates is great. Quails and young grouse are also favorite food of both of these hawks. In one direction their fondness for the flesh of birds promises to be of great benefit to the country, namely, in the destruction of English sparrows. Both of these hawks have learned from experience that a desirable food and one easy to obtain is to be found in the towns, hence it is not an uncommon sight, even in the streets of our large cities, to see one of them dash into a flock of sparrows. This, however, is the only benefit conferred upon mankind by Cooper’s and the Sharp- shinned Hawks, for they very rarely attack mammals and insects. Their small size, daring, and rapid flight render them easily recogniz- able, and they need seldom be mistaken for their innocent relations. Unquestionably both species should be destroyed whenever and when- ever possible. The Gyrfalcons, the largest and most powerful of the true falcons, are rarely seen within our borders, and then only in winter. They feed largely upon ptarmigan, grouse, waterfowl, hares, and poultry when the latter is available, and occasionally on small mammals. The Duck Hawk is another powerful falcon, and one closely related to the famous Peregrine Falcon of the Old World, which was used so extensively in falconry in ‘ye olden time’ As its name implies, it is a persistent follower of waterfowl and, when these are available, it takes little else as food. In default of waterfowl it will attack poultry and, in fact, birds of any sort even down to the smallest insectivorous species. Like others of the class, little can be said in its favor. For- tunately for the poultry yards and game coveys this falcon is rare in most parts of the United States;in fact the Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks are the only two of the destructive species which are at all common throughout the greater part of the United States and southern Canada. The Fish Hawk, although a magnificent bird and one that lends at- tractiveness to many a scene by sea and river, can not be classed as a useful species, from an economic standpoint. It eats fish, and fish only, and is often a nuisance to the fish culturist. Moreover, ‘while unques- tionably its food is largely comprised of the inferior species of fish, some of the most useful kinds, as trout, bass, mullet, and others fall victims to its splendid powers as a fisher. If its fine presence and magnificent flight do not sufficiently plead in its ENYOR then it must be put on the black list. INTRODUCTION. 17 It will be seen from the above that of the rapacious birds with which our country is so well furnished, there are but few which deserve to be put on the black list and pursued without mercy. The greater number either pass their whole lives in the constant performance of acts of direct benefit to man or else more than make good the harm they do in the destruction of insectivorous birds and poultry by destroying a much greater number of animals well known to be hostile to ‘he farmer. ‘Lhe birds of prey are all peculiarly fitted by nature to play their parts in the maintenance of the balancein the animal world. Possessed of amazingly acute eyesight, strong bills for tearing their prey, sharp talons that lock with a never-failing clutch and insure the speedy death of a victim by piercing its very entrails, added to ample and enduring powers of wing, they must be admitted to be well equipped for their occupation. They are all great eaters, and when the supply of food is unlimited are gorged during most of the time. Their digestion is very rapid and their assimilation perfect; consequently the amount of food a bird consumes each day in relation to its own weight is very great. It is well that it is so, for the habit of taking more food than is necessary for their immediate needs enables them to store up force for future emergencies and preéminently fits them for the work of keeping nature’s balance true. They are required at times, from inclement weather or other causes, to withstand great exposure and long pro- tracted fasts, which they do with little inconvenience. In the case of the birds of prey, as in some of the other orders, the indi- gestible portions of food, such as feathers, hair, bones, and the hard coverings of insects, are formed into balls by the movements of the stomach, after the nutritious portions have been absorbed. These masses, which are known as ‘pellets,’ are regurgitated from the stom- ach before a new supply of food is taken. The movements of the stom- ach so shape these ‘pellets’ that every sharp piece of bone or hard material which might otherwise injure the mucous membrane is care- fully enveloped by a felty covering of hair or feathers. In the case of some of the owls which have regular roosting places vast numbers of these pellets collect, and an examination of them will give a perfect in- dex to the character of the food devoured. No less than 2,690 stomachs have been examined in the preparation of this bulletin, and the contents are enumerated in the tables accom- panying the species. Of these, 169 contained the remains of poultry and game birds; 463, of other birds; 966, of mice; 397, of other mammals; and 623, of insects. Ifthe stomachs of the six species which feed very largely upon game and poultry are eliminated we have a total of 2,212 stomachs. Of these 78, or 34 per cent, contained the remains of poultry or game; 257, or 11 per cent, of other birds; 945, or 424 per cent, of mice; 309, or 14 per cent, of other mammals; and 599, or 27 per cent, of insects. 7626—No. 32 18 INTRODUCTION. As this bulletin is intended to be of practical benefit to the farmer descriptions are given of all our birds of prey by which he may tell his friends from his foes, that he may preserve the former and destroy the latter. These descriptions have been made as short and as terse as is compatible with clearness and have been stripped of all technicalities, Some little explanation is needed in reference to measurements: Length means the total length of fresh specimens from end of bill to tip of tail. Extent is also taken from fresh specimens and is measured from the tip of one wing to that of the other, they being moderately stretched. The wing measurement may be from a dried skin and is taken from the bend of the wing to the end of the longest feather. The Tail measure- ment is taken from the tip of the longest feathers to the back part of the eminence of the oil sac. Moreover, to insure the correct iden- tification of the several species, figures of the more important have been added. By means of the descriptions and figures it is believed that the farmer may readily become acquainted with the birds here treated of. For the benefit of those whose interest in the subject ex- tends beyond its economic side, a short account of each species is added, with some particulars of their nesting habits, etc. The nomenclature adopted is that of the American Ornithologists’ Union. The geo- graphical races, or subspecies, are included under the typical species, since the habits of both are practically identical, the main differences between them being color and to a less extent size. In closing, the writer wishes specially to express his indebtedness to Mr. H. W. Henshaw, who has assisted him in various ways in the prep- aration of the present bulletin. He also wishes to acknowledge his obligations to Dr. E, A. Mearns, U.8. Army, who kindly placed in his hands original data on the food of several hundred hawks and owls. To Dr. W. C. Avery, F. E. L. Beal, C. S. Brimley, Amos’ W. Butler, Charles Dury, R. Elliott, L. S. Foster, Gustave Kohn, Austin F. Park, William Praeger, F. Stephens, and Dr. B. H. Warren, who have fur- nished manuscript data on the food of rapacious birds, thanks are also due. A large majority of the stomachs which furnish data for the tables accompanying this bulletin and lend them their chief value were pre- sented by the following persons, to whom the writer wishes to extend his sincere acknowledgments: Ezra Acker. Capt. Charles Bendire, Howard Acker. H. C. Bennett. Dr. G. 8. Agersborg. G. E. Beyer. R. C. Alexander, R. H. Blain. C. K. Averill. C.S. Brimley. Dr. W. C. Avery, H. Broughton, jr. Vernon Bailey. E. L. Brown. A. Baker. Herbert Brown. W. B. Barrows, William Brown, A, R. Bellwood, F, L. Burns. J. E. Byington. J. L. Camp. F. M. Chapman. A. Chichister. Hubert L. Clark. G. A. Coleman. W.C. Colt. William Couper. F. F. Crevecceur, F. T. Cuthbert. E. O. Damon. L. M. Davies. J. L. Davison. F, J. Dixon. William F. Doertenbach. Freeman Douglas. William Dutcher. Jonathan Dwight, jr. L. W. Dykeman. H. N, Edwards. Capt. Jesse Edwards. W. B. Ellis. E. A. Everett. F. D. Figgins. W. K. Fisher. George Flick. A. A. Frazer. J. W. Gardner. Dennis Gale. E. Gerholtz. Cc G E. M. A. H. Hawley. J. 4. W.F. rank H. Hitehnock, A. H. Howell. Walter Hoxie. H. K. James. C. A. Keeler. Noah King. Gustave Kohn. Mrs. F. E. B. Latham, N. T. Lawrence. W.G. W. Leizear. Cc. J. Lemen. J. B. Lewis. Ww. A. Lewis. Clifford Libby. William Lloyd, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 19 A. W. Lord. J. Alden Loring. F. A. Lucas. H. W. McBride. R. C. MeGregor. Alf Marshall. Dr. C. Hart Merriam. G. 8. Miller, jr. H. H. Miller. J. Percy Moore. A. H. Norton. R. H. Norton. T.S. Palmer. William Palmer, F. E. Parsons, F. 8. Place. E. A. Preble. Dr: M. W. Raub. C. B. Ressell. C. W. Richmond. Robert Ridgway. C. B. Riker. Dr. William C. Rives. W. F. Roberts. Thomas Rowland. Johu H. Sage. W. E. Saunders. Louis P. Scherrer. Miss Mathilda Schlegel. Robert R. Scorso. J. M. Shaffer. M. Smedley. Dr. Hugh M. Smith. R. W. Smith. F. Stephens. Dr. C. W. Stiles. Benjamin Still. F. 8. Stratton. E. E. Thompson, R. J. Thompson. James R. Thurston, W. E. Clyde Todd. Willard E. Treat. F. C. Trowbridge. B. G. True. Dr. T. 8. Turner. Dr. B. H. Warren. F. 8. Webster. C. M. Weed. H. G. White. William M. Whitfield. Otto Widmann. F. 8S. Wilder. A. H. Wood. 20 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. Elanoides forficatus, [Plate 1—Two adults.] The Swallow-tailed Kite is an inhabitant of the tropical and warmer portions of America, extending north in the United States regularly to Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Kentucky, and Virginia, and west to the Great Plains. It has occurred casually in Pennsylvania, New York, southern New England, and Ontario. In the United States the species is most abundant in the States bordering the Gulf, but becomes more and more uncommon toward the limits of its range at the north. Al- though a few birds may occasionally remain in southern Louisiana and Texas, and regularly in southern Florida, the majority cross our southern border about the 1st of October to spend the winter in Cen- tral and South America, and are not seen again until the 1st of the following April. A most extraordinary exception to this usual migra- tion is given by Dr. C. E. McChesney, who found the species near Fort Sisseton, 8. Dak., during nearly the whole winter of 1877/78. (Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club, vol. 11, 1878, p. 147.) On November 17, 1881, Mr. D. H. Talbot saw a flock of fifty or more between Jamestown and * Bismarck, N. Dak. (Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club, vol. vu, 1882, p. 59.) The principal food of this Kite is small snakes, lizards, frogs, and various kinds of insects. It never molests small mammals or birds. Among insects it is especially fond of wasp larve, grasshoppers, and dragon flies; and its power to change the direction of flight is most markedly shown in capturing the latter insects, for in its efforts to se- cure them it is often necessary for it to turn almost completely over in its evolutions. In Florida Dr. C. Hart Merriam often saw these Kites dart down and pick a wasp’s nest from the under side of a leaf of some high palmetto and fly off with it, devouring, while on the wing, the grubs it contained. (Am. Nat., vol. VIII, 1874, p. 88.) Mr. H. Nehrling speaks of the birds’ food in Texas as follows: “In August and September the birds are often seen in cotton fields, where they feed on cotton worms and other insects. They are particularly fond of small snakes, such as Leptophis, Rhinostoma coccinea, lizards (Anolius carolinensis and Ameiva sex-lineata). I have never seen them take a bird or a small quadruped.” (Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club, vol. viz, 1882, p. 173.) Audubon speaks of frequently seeing them with long slender snakes hanging from their talons. The following is his account of an examina- tion of two stomachs collected in Texas: “In the stomach [of one bird] are six snakes, of a very slender form, and light-green color, one of them 224 inches in length, together with one large larva, 3 inches long, and two coleopterous insects. Some of the snakes have been swallowed whole, Bulk No @. Div Ornithology SWALLOW-1 ye y GHAMLES — TOPTLCAAALS SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. 21 although bruised, the rest broken into large pieces several inches long. * * * Tn another male shot in the same. country, on the same day, the stomach contained a slender snake 19 inches long, six lizards, and four beautiful, very large coleopterous insects, with two eggs of rep- tiles 74 twelfths long.” (Ornith. Biography, vol. v, pp. 372-374.) Mr. Henshaw informs me that he found these Kites common on the Miami River, southeast Florida, and frequently saw them in mid air feeding upon snakes, which appeared to be their favorite food in that locality. Glancing over the bill of fare of this Kite, it will at once appear that while there are many of the rapacious birds which perform greater service to the farmers in the destruction of his foes, there are few which are less injurious. The snakes, lizards, and frogs it destroys, though by no means injurious to agriculture, probably will be regretted by few, while the insect food, especially the grasshoppers and cotton worms, not only can be spared, but their destruction may be considered a pos- itive benefit. ‘It probably breeds in suitable localities throughout its range, even to the northern limit. Its nest has been taken in Minnesota, and accord- ing to a very interesting note by Mr. Austin F. Park, it is very probable that a pair bred in Rensselaer County, N. Y., in 1886. (The Auk, vol. 111, p.484.) In the southern part of the United States this species begins to breed about the last of April or first of May, while farther north it is past the middle of the latter month before a full complement of eggs is deposited. The nest is situated in the tops of the tallest trees and is placed among the smaller branches, where it is well hidden by the thick foliage. Occasionally it is built toward the end of a large limb, 20 feet or more from the main trunk, the supporting branch usually being not more than a few inches in diameter. The nest often- times is a rude structure, made of sticks only, and resembles closely in appearance that of some of the herons, while others are more substan- tial, from the lining of Spanish moss or soft inner bark of the cotton- wood which they contain; rarely a nest is composed almost entirely of Spanish moss. The number of eggs in a setis usually two, though three, four, and probably even more are sometimes deposited. Audubon found a nest near the Falls of the Ohio, in 1820, which contained four young. The male is very attentive and assists the female in building the nest and incuba- ting the eggs, as well as in collecting a large proportion of the food for the young. After the breeding season this Kite is more or less gregarious; families of four or five are usually found together and occasionally flocks of fifty or more. This species is quite wary and difficult-to ap- proach, but if one of a flock is killed or wounded the others will fly around it, and a number may be secured before they take alarm and move off. 22 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. The flight is smooth and protracted, and for grace and elegance is not excelled by that of any other species. To fully appreciate its superiority one must see the bird on the wing, for no language can de- scribe the beauty of the ever-varying movements. No matter whether the bird is soaring far above the earth, skimming lightly over its sur- face, or following the different gyrations of some fleeting insect, the observer is surprised as well as charmed at the wonderful exhibition. Often it will stop in mid air, and with half-closed wings and depressed tail shake itself much after the manner of swallows while bathing. Although it often alights on trees it rarely is seen on the ground, and even when capturing its prey it glides swiftly over the surface, reach- ing down at the proper moment to secure the quarry. It generally, if not always, feeds while in mid air, bending its head downward and toward the talons to tear the object in its grasp. It drinks while skimming rapidly over the surface of the water as do the swifts, swal- lows, and many other birds. DESCRIPTION. Tail deeply forked, the outside feathers being more than twice as long as the middle pair; wings very long, narrow, and acute. Color: Head, neck, lower parts, under wing feathers, and band across rump, pure white; back, wings, and tail glossy blackish. Length: 19.50 to 25.50 inches (495 to 647 ™™); extent 45 to 50 inches (1143 to 1270 ™™); wing 15.50 to 17.75 inches (393 to 451 ™™); outer tail feathers 12.50 to 14.50 inches (317 to 368 ™™), Table showing the results of examinations of 6 stomachs of the Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus). Poultry Locality. Date. sams Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. TAs, Hawkinsville, Fla..... Mee BL 188) | wcese annals eprinenaeemnsoneseawenwnaennaneccao Lizard. grass- hoppers, tree toad, beetles. DO ..-creassnacsves[enee WO soca oda | aa Sonesienctelsy|s awd ioeHvE bese ais] meseenenedeee ses: Lizard, grass- Hoppers, bee- es. Dixon County, Nebr..| June, 1865 |....----2- |... e eee eee e eee e [eee eee eee eee ee eee 60 locusts, 5other insects. DG 2:52 sinieicsesioisinsicicie||ava ul CO). sivie'sietccal| seas sieistercial|saisiom mciccie sasied sins [toca esenis sealers 69 locusts, 3 other insects. Sarpy County, Nebr ..| Sept., 1873 |.....--.-.)--- se eee eee e cence lene erent rene ences 75 insects. Woodville, Minn...... April 28/1888. |a:scwacars|sacawewmiseasecncis | seavecveseseescissi Beetle, wasp. Summary.—Of 6 stomachs examined all contained insects; 2, lizards; 1, tree-frog. 1 Orn olos, Diy Jenitholasy MISSISSIPPI KI FOMUNA A PLAS SLES SOPHO CCTUS U8 Ie ( Wide.) Plate WHITE-TAILED KITE. 23 WHITE-TAILED KITE. Elanus leucurus. The White-tailed Kite inhabits the tropical and subtropical portions of America, except the West Indies, and extends north into the United States regularly to about latitude 38° along the Pacific coast, and to 35° in the central and eastern portions. A few probably winter in Louisiana and Texas, while the species is a regular resident in the southern part of California, though, strange to say, it has never been recorded from Arizona or New Mexico. The food of this Kite, like that of the swallow-tailed, consists of small snakes, lizards, frogs, and such insects as grasshoppers and beetles. Audubon states that he found the remains of birds in two stomachs he examined, which is an experience no other naturalist has shared with him so far as known. About the first of April it begins to remodel its old nest or that of some other bird, or builds anew one. The structure is usually placed among the slender branches in the top of some lofty sycamore or live oak, in the vicinity of water. It is flat, with a very shallow concavity, and is composed of small sticks, with an occasional lining of grass. By the middle of April full complements of eggs are usually to be found; these vary from three to five in number. In the United States itis said to live in pairs or small families but never singly, though in South America Mr. W. B. Barrows informs me he never saw more than one at a time. It frequents the lowlands, where it rapidly beats back and forth over the surface of the ground, ever ready to seize its prey. The species is tame and unsuspicious, and may be approached without difficulty. Its flight is very much like that of the Mississippi Kite, but usually is not so protracted, nor does the bird attain such an elevation as the latter species. DESCRIPTION. Front of bare leg covered with minute roundish scales; claws not grooved beneath. Color: Above, pale bluish gray, becoming gradually white on head and tail; shoulders and a spot in front of the eyes black; below, en- tirely pure white. Length: 15 to 16.75 inches (380 to 425 ™™); extent, 39 to 42 inches (990 to 1066 ™™); wing, 11.50 to 13.50 inches (292 to 342 ™™); tail, 5.90 to 7.40 inches (150 to 188 ™™), Table showing the results of an examination of 1 stomach of the White-tailed Kite (Elanus < leucurus ). 2 Poultry Locality. Date. or game Other birds, Mammals. Miscellaneous. birds. Stockton; Call snccccesis|scoccc senesced): siesssenc|seseenuni secs ccics | Meadow mouse . 24 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. MISSISSIPPI KITE. Ictinia mississippiensis. [Plate 2—Adult.] The Mississippi Kite, like the other American species, inhabits the more southern parts of our territory. It is distributed from Guatemala north through eastern Mexico and the southern United States east of the Rocky Mountains, occurring regularly as far north as Georgia, southern Illinois, Indian Territory, and Kansas, and casually to Iowa and Wis- cousin. A fewremain in the southern United States all winter, but the greater part pass on to Mexico during October, and return again in the latter part of April. The food of this species, like that of the Swallow-tailed Kite, consists of insects, such as the larger beetles, grasshoppers, and locusts, lizards, small snakes, and frogs. It never has been known to molest birds or mammals, except to drive the larger species away from the vicinity of itsnest. Three specimens which Wilson examined at Natchez, Miss., con- tained the remains of beetles; and he saw them flying about the trees feed- ing on cicadas. Dr. Coues mentions one shot at Bluffton, S. C., whose stomach was crammed with the same insects, together with a few katy- dids. It is wonderful at what a distance its keen eyes can detect a com- paratively small insect. Mr. E. W. Nelson says: “I saw them repeat- edly dart with unerring aim upon some luckless grasshoppers from an elevation of at least 100 yards.” (Bull. Essex Inst., vol. 1x., 1877, p. 58.) As regards the economic value of this Kite much the same statement may be made as of the previous species. It does little or no damage, but much good. Soon after arriving in its summer home it begins to remodel its old nest or the deserted nest of some other bird, and more rarely, when these are not available, it builds a new one. The remod- eling consists in patching up the sides with a few sticks and adding a sparse lining of Spanish moss or green leaves. The nest is usually sit- uated in the tops of the tallest trees, among the smaller branches, where it is well concealed by the foliage. The full complement of eggs, usually two or three in number, is deposited by the middle of May, though in some cases it must be much earlier, for the writer once secured a young bird in southern Louisiana the last of May which already had acquired nearly the adult plumage. This Kite is not at all shy, and may be secured easily as it sits on some tall stub; in fact, Col. N.S. Goss tells of shooting a pair from the same tree, as the second one did not move at the report of the gun, but looked down with surprise on its fallen companion. It is said to be morose and irritable in captivity and very difficult to tame. A specimen which the writer once wounded was the very picture of rage as with flashing eyes and erect crest it threw itself on its back and prepared to repel the aggressor with its talons. EVERGLADE KITE, 25 This species is fully as gregarious as any of the other Kites, and often times may be seen in flocks of twenty or more circling over a favorite hunting ground. It is observed most frequently around the border of woods in the vicinity of water, and is particularly fond of half-cleared ground where dead trees still stand, these being used for perches. Its flight is as varied and graceful as that of the Swallow-tailed Kite, is long protracted, and the bird often ascends to so great a height as to bebarely visible. While soaring high in the air its flight simulates that of the turkey buzzard very closely, and as the two birds often are seen together the Kite looks like a miniature of the other. DESCRIPTION. Front of bare leg covered with large transverse scales; cutting edge of upper bill notched. Color: Uniform bluish gray or lead color, becoming lighter on head and darker on wing and tail; inner webs of outer wing feathers partly rufous. Length: 13 to 15.50 inches (330 to 393 ™™); extent, 35 to 37 inches (890 to 940 ™); wing, 10.60 to 12.30 inches (269 to 312 ™™); tail, 6 to 7 inches (152 to 178 ™™). SS Table showing the results of examinations of 4 stomachs of the Mississippi Kite (Ictinea mississippiensis ). Poultry Locality. Date. er pane Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds Madisonville, La ...... May 29: 1886 | cccnccccies | aint eteieics ac cece peisll seamen emma de wane Fragments of in- sects. Oi sews sjainacie eae May 30,1886 |..000c0v0c=|-sercmcececedassetlsaccccvecsceceewes Beetles. Breckenridge, Tex ....| May 5,1889|.......--.].-.-----2-2---220-)eee eee ee eee ee eee Grasshoppers, beetles, other insects. Ponca Agency, Okla ..| Aug. 5, 1892 |........22|----eneeeeee eee e elec e eee cent ee necees 5 katydids, 3 grasshoppers, 1 cricket. Summary.—Of the 4 stomachs examined all contained insects. EVERGLADE KITE. Rostrhamus sociabilis. This Kite inhabits the whole of tropical America, excepting parts of the West Indies, and passes our southern border ‘nto Florida only. Through many parts of the everglades this bird is common, generally associating in flocks of from five to eight or ten individuals. Its food, as far as known, consists exclusively of fresh-water univalve mollusks, which it finds awong the water plants at the edges of shallow lakes and rivers or the overflowed portions of the everglades. The species it feeds on in Florida (Ampullaria depressa) is of moderate size, the shell being 2 or 3 inches in diameter, and is very abundant in suit- 26 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. able localities through the middle and southern parts of the State. When the bird has captured one of these mollusks it flies to the nearest perch and removes the meat from the shell with apparent ease and with- out injuring the latter. While collecting food it often secures five or six before returning to the nest, keeping in its gullet the parts it has extracted for the young. So far as at present known the Everglade Kite can not be said to have any economic value, since the mollusk, which appears to consti- tute its sole food, does not seem to be in any way injurious. If not positively beneficial, however, it at least may be claimed for this kite that it does absolutely no injury to man, and consequently should never be wantonly destroyed. By the first of March, or in some cases a little sooner, it begins to build. The nest is usually situated in some low bush or among a dense growth of saw grass, rarely if ever more than a couple of feet above the water. It is a flat structure, often composed of small sticks loosely placed together and sometimes receives an incomplete lining of dry saw grass. The eggs are two or three in number, two being more common. It is a very unsuspicious bird and may be approached easily while on a perch, or may pass within close range of a person as it beats over the meadows. Its flight is said to resemble more closely that of the Marsh Hawk than that of any other of the rapacious birds. DESCRIPTION. Upper part of bill forming a slender lengthened hook. Five outer wing feathers cut out on the inner web. Color: Uniform slate color, becoming nearly black on outer wing feathers and tail; head and neck with more or less of a chalky cast; base of tail and feathers covering it, white. Length: 16 to 18 inches (406 to 457 ™™); extent, 44 to 46 inches (1117 to 1168 ™™); wing, 12.90 to 14.25 inches (328 to 362 ™™); tail, 7.20 to 8.50 inches (182 to 216 ™™), MARSH HAWK. Circus hudsonius. [Plate 3—Adult male, immature female.] This well-known hawk inhabits the whole of North America, breed- ing north to Alaska and the fur countries, and wintering from about lati- tude 40° N., southward to Panama and Cuba. A representative species (Circus cyaneus) occurs throughout most of temperate Europe and Asia, wintering in the more southern portions as well as in northern Africa, The Marsh Hawk breeds in suitable localities everywhere from the southern border of the United States to the northern limits of its range, but is most common through the prairie country of the West. In the Bull No.3. Div. Ornithology MAR CL HAWK OMMILS U2 MARSH HAWK. 27 case of a species of such extended distribution the time of nesting is very variable. Thus while in Texas the eggs are to be found by the latter part of April, in the fur countries it is the middle of June before they are deposited. The nest is always placed on the ground, usually in a marsh or prairie grown up with tall rushes, grass, or bushes, and not far from water, It is commonly situated at the base of a bush, or, in localities subject to inundation, on the top of a tussock. It is composed chiefly of dry grass loosely thrown together and strengthened by the incorporation of a few dead sticks, and as a finishing toueh a sparse lining of feathers is added. When the same site is used for several years in succession the accumulated mass of material often forms a platform of considerable size. The number of eggs in a set is usually from four to six, though as many as eight have been found. As with most of the hawks, the period of incubation is nearly four weeks. The male assists the female in the construction of the nest, in incubating the eggs, and in procuring food forthe young. During the period in which the young are being fed the male often drops the food to the female from a considerable height, as he passes near the nest, she darting upward and catching it before it reaches the ground. This hawk is very zealous in protecting its young from intruders and has been known to attack persons or dogs who have entered its domain. After the young are reared and leave the nest they remain together, and as fall advances several families unite and migrate southward, Henceit is not unusual to see forty or fifty individuals at one time scat- tered over the more extensive marshes. _ Though the flight of this hawk lacks the elegance of some of the other species, it is well sustained and often protracted. When the bird is beating back and forth over the meadows in search of food the flight is easy, regular, but not rapid, and resembles closely that of some of the herons. In the spring the male sometimes goes through a series of aérial evolutions which are highly amusing. While at a considerable altitude it throws its wings over its back, and falling several yards turns over and over much like a tumbler pigeon until near the ground, when it ascends rapidly again to repeat the performance. When prey is discovered the hawk poises for a moment over the spot and then drops quickly on it, and if unsuccessful is sure to beat over the same place before leaving. It generally devours its quarry on or near the spot where captured, instead of carrying it away. Its food consists largely of small rodents, such as meadow mice, half- grown squirrels, rabbits, and spermophiles or ground squirrels. In fact, so extensively does it feed on the last-named animals that the writer rarely has examined a stomach from the West which did not contain their remains. In addition to the above it preys upon lizards, frogs, snakes, insects, and birds; of the latter, the smaller ground. 28 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. dwelling species usually are taken. When hard pressed it is said to feed on offal and carrion; and in spring and fall, when water fowl are abundant, it occasionally preys upon the dead and wounded birds left by gunners. It seldom chases birds on the wing, though the writer has seen it do so in a few instances. In speaking of the food of the Marsh Hawk, Audubon says: “The food of the Marsh Hawk consists of insects of various kinds, especially crickets, of small lizards, frogs, snakes, birds, principally the smaller sorts, although it will attack partridges, plovers, and even green- .. Winged teals, when urged by excessive hunger.” (Ornith. Biography, vol. IV, p. 400.) Mr. H. W. Henshaw, whose great field experience in the West enables him to speak authoritatively on the subject, says: ““They were seen atallhours of theday * * * insearch of mice and gophers, which, when obtainable, constitute the major part of its food. When urged by hunger, it may attack birds; and I remember to have been once robbed of a widgeon I had killed and kept lying in the water, by one of these birds; but generally they confine their attacks to the humblest kind of game, which possess neither the strength to enable them to resist nor the activity to evade the sudden descent of their winged enemy.” (Ornith. 100 Merid., 1875, p. 416.) Dr. Coues says: “It ordinarily stoops to field mice, small reptiles, and insects. It is particularly fond of frogs.” (Birds of the North- west, p. 331.) Mr. Ridgway, in the Ornithology of the Fortieth Parallel (p. 580), states that the stomachs and crops of specimens killed at Pyramid Lake, Nev., were filled to their utmost capacity with the remains of small lizards, and nothing else. Dr. B. H. Warren gives the following summary of his investigations on this species: ‘In fourteen examinations made by myself, seven hawks had only field mice in their stomachs; three, frogs; two, small birds (warblers); one, a few feathers, apparently of a sparrow (Melo- spiza), and fragments of insects; one, a large number of grasshoppers, with a small quantity of hair, undoubtedly that of a young rabbit.” (Birds of Pennsylvania, 1888, p. 75.) There is another way in which it protects crops, albeit unconsciously, as appears from the following: “It is also said to be very serviceable in the Southern rice-fields in interrupting the devastationg made by swarms of bobolinks. As it sails low and swiftly over the fields it keeps the flocks in perpetual fluctuation and greatly interrupts their depredations. Wilson states that one marsh hawk was considered by the planters equal to several negroes for alarming the rice-birds.” (Hist. N. A. Birds, vol. 111, p. 218.) Dr. Merriam bears witness to the truth of the foregoing, for while at Georgetown, 8. C., he saw an immense flock of bobolinks driven from a field by one of these hawks, which simply passed over at a considerable height, and made no movement to molest them, MARSH HAWK. 29 Although this Hawk occasionally carries off poultry and game birds, its economic value as a destroyer of mammal pests is so great that its slight irregularities should be pardoned. Unfortunately, however, the farmer and sportsman shoot it down at sight, regardless or ignorant of the fact that it preserves an immense quantity of grain, thousands of fruit trees, and innumerable nests of game birds by destroying the vermin which eat the grain, girdle the trees, and devour the eggs and young of the birds. The Marsh Hawk is unquestionably one of the most beneficial as it is one of our most abundant Hawks, and its presence and increase should be encouraged in every way possible, not only by protecting it by law, but by disseminating a knowledge of the benefits it confers. It is probably the most active and determined foe of meadow mice and ground squirrels, destroying greater numbers of these pests than any other species, and this fact alone should entitle it to protection, even if it destroyed no other injurious animals. The following species of mammals and birds were positively identified among the stomach contents: MAMMALS. Philohela minor. Arvicola riparius. Colinus virginianus. Arvicola pinetorum, Quiscalus quiscula. Thomomys. Poocates gramineus. Spermophilus 13-lineatus. Ammodramus s. savanna, Spermophilus 13-lineatus pallidus. Ammodramus lecontei. Spermophilus mollis. Ammodramus 8. passerinus. Neosorex. Spizella monticola. Sigmodon. Spizella pusilla, Lepus sylvaticus. Spizella socialis. Tamias minimus. Junco hyemalis. Soren. Passerina cyanea. Blarina exilipes. Melospiza fasciata. Mephitis. Melospiza georgiana. Sciurus hudsonicus. Passer domesticus. Perodipus ordii. Merula migratoria, BIRDS. Mimus polyglottos. Charitonetta albeola. Rallus virginianus. Rallus crepitans. DESCRIPTION. Face encircled by a ruff of short compact feathers, as in the Owls. Adult male.—Mostly of a uniform light bluish gray streaked with white; tail barred with six to eight bands, the one nearest the end being broader and darker; tips of the wings blackish. Female and immature—Dusky or rusty brown, more or less streaked on head and neck. The Marsh Hawk may be easily distinguished in any plumage by the large white patch on the rump. 30 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. Length: 19.50 to 24.00 inches (495 to 610™™); extent, 40.00 to 45.00 inches (1016 to 1143™™); wing, 12.90 to 16.00 inches (328 to 406™™); tail, 8.80 to 10.50 inches (223 to 267™™), Table showing the results of examinations of 124 stomachs of the Marsh Hawk (Circus hudsonius ). Poultry ‘Locality. Date. ad gime Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds “Amityville, L.I.,N. ¥-| Oct. 17,1885 Meadow mouse - Washington, D. Cities Oct. 29, 1886 3 meadow mice.. Bergen County, N. J.--| Nov. 26, 1885 Meadow mouse . Washington, C is ae Jan., 1887 Sratnc UO use mes oer Sandy Spring, Md..... Feb. 11, 1887 |..--....--| JUMCO -.------- Jenene eee eee ee eee Do Oct. 2, 1887 Meadow mouse . -| Oct. 4, 1887 eisieie LO? Sad cseraeiseciese Nov. 17, 1887 |. 2 pine mice, 2 meadow mice. DO 2 saseecscicen as Nov. 18, 1887 |...-..-.-. Tree sparrow...| Pine mouse, 2 meadow mice. DO wsescsaessce os Nov. 23, 1887 |... Meadow mouse - Travare, S. Dak .. July 5,1887 |. 2 ioe go- ers. Penbis, Dak. Jd ae hs : CL aeeee eee ere cres Striped gopher... njninidibiniclninigi@ael|oceine lO sie.crercie:cil's sis a eee Hair of striped gopher. PU (serene tha gonben = -| Oct. 4, 1887 Oct. 18, 1887 -| Sept. 17, 1887 Oct. 5 1886 Meadow mouse. Aug. u 1887 Striped gopher... -| Aug. 17, 1887 Meadow mouse . -| Oct. 17,1887 -| Feb. 13, 1887 Empty. Do Paint Rock, Tex. Washington, D. Cc East Bradford, Pa Westtown, Pa.... Oxford, Pa ... Otoe County, Nebr ... Sarpy ia Nebr.. Dodging’ County, Nebr. Hhuira, Bae Baste N. Y. Hale County, Ala Washington, D.C Kalamazoo, Mich. Do Hollis, N. H - Concord, Mass. - Montauk Pt., Li. N. a4 Hackensack, N.J- Schraalenburg, NJ... Jackson County, Mo .. St. Helena Island, 5. C. alga Cc. Do Brookville, Ind. - -| Oct. -| Sept. 17, 1882 -| Sept. 17, 1887 -| Sept. 24) 1887 -| Nov. 12, 1886 ‘| Nov. 5, 1879 -| Oct., -| May 7, 1886 -| July il, 1886 -| Au “21, 1886 ah erg 1, 1886 -| Nov. 28, 1886 |.. 20, 1886 |- 1, 1881 1869 Sept., 1864 |. -.--do.. Oct., 1864 Mar. 17, 1888 Mar 28, 1888 “Sept. 4, 1885 |. “| Sept. 11; 1885 |" -| Sept. 24, 1885 |. . Nov. 26, 1885 ee County, NY. Rensselaer County, N.Y/| Sept. it, 1877 Small bird “2 warblers 3 small birds. . 1 sparrow... hug. 9, 1879 .| Field mouse .-.. Meadow mouse - Mouse Reptiles, 69 in- sects. 15 locusts, 77 other insects, 71 locusts, i) other insects. Lizard, 69 1 custs. 51 locusts. Lizards, custs. O- 43 lo- Beetles. Beetles. Striped snake. 10. Frogs. Insects. Meadow mouse, MARSH HAWK. 31 Table showing the results of examinations of 124 stomachs of the Marsh Hawk (Circus hudsonius )—Continued. Poultry Locality. Date. 7 same Other birds. Mammals. Misvellaneous. irds. Sept. 10, 1883 |......-.-- Meadow mouse. Oakdale, Suffolk Coun- ty. N.Y. Stratford, Conn... - Fairmount, W. Va. --.- Oakdale, Suffolk Coun- ty, N.Y. Flatbush, Kings Coun- ty, N.Y. Lone Island City, N.Y. St. George, Utah Rayne, La..-..-------- Sabine Station, La. Sandy Spring, Md. Greensboro, Ala....... Stratford, Conn Del Rio, Tex Circleville, Ohio....... Vamp Verde, Ariz- River, Arizona. Stones Lake, Arizona. - -| Aug. 30, 1886 -| Sept. 15, 1888 -| Sept. 21, 1888 -| Feb. 27, 1889 -| Aug. 28, 1889 | Aug. 27, 1884 Aug. 26, 1885 |. Aug. 27, 1855 |. Apr. 10,1885 ay 30, 1884 Nov. 8, 1886 Sept., 1886 Mar. 23, 1888 Apr. 24, 1888 July 9, 1887 Oct. 29, 1888 Aug. 21, 1888 Aug. 22, 1888 Ang, 23, 1888 Sept. 14, 1888 Sept. 11, 1888 Sept. 29, 1888 Sept. 22, 1888 Jan. 4,1889 of water fowl. Feb. 24, 1889 Sept. 17, 1889 Sept. 8, 1889 Jan. 31, 1890 Dec. 7,1881 Sept. 20, 1884 Oct. 18, 1884 D0 wcsccsracsreacleccdOcascees Do .. af eaetOtc. oecc0 Do.. -| Sept. 11, 1884 DO ccs. -| Dee. 5, 1885 Camp Verde, Ariz..... Apr. 16,1887 |...------. Birch Creek, Idaho. .- Ate 451890 | sasesewscae DO ircpescs aseaieie seus LOKeinse siejere (aeoaaaces Clay County, 5. Dak...| Sept. 21, 1889 |..-..----- Woe ina haaneneets Oct. 1,1889|.--.....-. Sandy Spring, Md ....-. Oct. 6, 1890 |.....--.-- Lemhi Valley, Idaho ..| Sept. 6, 1890 |.. Portland, Conn -| Oct. 1, 1890 Do...- -| Oct. 14, 1890 |. Sandy erring Aud semi Dec. 2,1890].. Morristown, N.J .-....-| Sept. 23, 1890 |. - Do ...- -| Sept. 26, 1890 |...-....-- WG 2 .ceeeseserea Oct. 3,1890|.......... Union County, Ky .-..| Oct. 11,1890 |........-- Amityville, N.Y ...... Mar. 8,1890}........-- Sandy Spring, Md..... Nov. 5,1891|........-. Buffalo, N.Y ......--.- Sept. 22, 1890 |.......... Westbrook, Me......-. Apr. 12,1890 |.......... Sandy Spring, Md..... Dec. 10,1891 |........-. Small birds Sparrow Purple grackle - 2 Savanna (?) sparrows. Leconte’s (?) sparrow. Savanna sparrow Chipping spar- row. Chipping spar- row (7). Indig PM vine Mockingbird, field sparrow. Song sparrow, swamp spar- row. 2swamp = spar- rows. “Field sparrow, | song sparrow. Grasshopper spar- 2 vesper spar- rows. English sparrow 1 meadow mouse 2 meadow mice . Striped gopher. . 8 meadow mice . 2 meadow mice . Rabbit hair .-..., Cotton rats, rabbits. Meadow mice... Pocket gopher .. Kangaroo rat, pocket gopher. Water shrew ..- Short-tailed spermophile. Meadow mouse - Chipmunk. ..... 2 meadow mice. . .---do -| 3 meadow mice... .| 5 meadow mice. 1meadow mouse 3 meadow mice.. 1meadow mouse. 2 meadow mice. . 3 meadow mice, shrew. 1meadow mouse. -| Grasshoppers. Grasshopper. Frog. | Snake. “| 2 six-lined lize ards, 1 grass- hopper. Empty. Indeterminate matter. 1 beetle. 32 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. Table showing the results of examinations of 124 stomachs of the Marsh Hawk (Circus hudsonius )—Continued. Poultry ' Locality. Date. or game Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds. Sept... 2).1891 2c icsinnine| van siccswse ce cone ce [scuccscineseeseniaes fmpty. Do max OO dieiacicrse'a| stosua scemt | Macawoweenamaamces [temas side a siaaamenye 11 crickets, 1 grasshopper. Do Oct: 1, 189b ls cesepedlrccscwenes en veces Meadow mouse. Portland, Conn Sept. 28, 1891 |.-...-.... Field sparrow ..|.--..---2+--..0++- Spiritwood, N. Dak....; July 1,1892|....------|----------- +--+ oe leccecamaasem neue Empty. Onaga, Kans .....-.--- May 15,1892 }.......... Virginia rail, |.-.-...sceceeceee- young hawk. SuMMARY.—Of 124 stomachs examined, 7 contained poultry or game birds; 34, other birds; 57, mice; 22, other mammals; 7, reptiles; 2, frogs; 14, insects; 1 indeterminate matter, and 8 were empty. SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. Accipiter velox. [Plate 4—Adult.] The Sharp-shinned Hawk, one of the commonest and best known of our birds of prey, has an extensive distribution. It breeds in most, if not all, of the States and in the British Provinces, as far north as the Arctic circle. In winter it is found from about parallel 40° N., south- ward to Guatemala. In the latter part of September and the first of October it migrates through the Middle States in vast numbers. In southern New York the writer has seen several hundred during a day’s tramp, the majority high in the air, though a few were flying low in search of food. The northward migration in spring, in the same local- ity, takes place during the latter part of March and first of April. The food of this daring little Hawk is made up almost entirely of wild birds and young poultry, though occasionally it will take a few insects, mice, reptiles, or batrachians. Out of nineteen specimens ex- amined by Dr. B. H. Warren, seventeen contained remains of poultry or wild birds. From this data and from an examination of our more ex- tended table it will be seen how universal this class of food is. The following quotation from Audubon shows the variety of its bill of fare: “The food of this hawk consists chiefly of birds of various sizes, from the smallest of our warblers to the Passenger Pigeon and young chicken, the latter appearing to afford a special temptation to it, as has been above related. I am also aware that it feeds occasionally on small rep- tiles and insects, and I shot the male represented in the plate, on wing, whilst it held in its claws the small Shrew also represented.” (Ornith. Biography, vol. Iv, p. 526.) When a pair of Sharp-shinned Hawks find a farm where young chick- ens are easily obtained, they generally visit it until the supply gives out, or they themselves meet a tragic death. Nuttall speaks of asingle bird which came every day to a farmhouse until it had carried away between twenty and thirty young chickens, Bull No 3, Div Ornithology Plate SHARD CHINNED HAWK * velour (Wits) SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. 33 Mr, William Lloyd, writing from western Texas, says that he has seen it fly away with a pullet as big or bigger than itself, and so heavy that the legs dragged the ground. (Auk, vol. Iv, 1887, p. 188.) In times past when the wild pigeon was common, this little hawk caused great annoyance as well as loss to trappers. While standing in the bow-house scanning the horizon for an incoming flock, the man on watch would suddenly be startled by the violent fluttering of his ‘stool pigeon’ or of one of the ‘fliers,’ and upon looking around would find one of these little marauders fastened to the bird—a serious loss if he did not have a reserve pigeon, for hundreds might pass in easy hailing distance of his bow-house and still he would be powerless with- out the decoy. Many times has the writer stood near a bow-house and killed one of these Hawks which had been attracted to the spot from a considerable distance by the hovering stool pigeon. The following note from Mr. H. W. Henshaw shows that it is partial to this food in the West also: “Upon one occasion, while watching a pair of doves feeding upon the ground, a female of this species made a daring and successful swoop upon one of them, passing within a few feet of the observer’s head. As a further illustration of the bravery and hardihood with which this bird pursues its prey, it may be mentioned that one was observed in the town of Panquitch [Utah,] eagerly pursuing a common pigeon, appar- ently oblivious of the presence of spectators, who for some time vainly endeavored to drive it away.” (Explor. West of the 100th Merid., Wheeler, vol. v, 1875, p. 417.) Occasionally it will attack a bird many times its size, as the follow- ing quotation from Mr. Maynard demonstrates: “I once saw one strike down a fully-grown Night Heron that chanced to be abroad by day. * * * The slow-moving heron fell to the ground at once, but, fortunately for him, in falling he gave vent to one of those discordant squawks which only a bird of this species is capable of uttering, and which so astonished and frightened the hawk that it completely forgot to take advantage of its prostrate prey.” (Birds of Eastern N. A., 1880, p. 304.) Little can be said in favor of this Hawk although its daring, courage, and impudence are to be admired. On this and the two following species mainly rest the responsibility for the ill favor with which the other Hawks are regarded. A score of valuable species sufter because they belong to a class which includes two orthree noxious kinds. How- ever, like most villains, it has at least one redeeming quality, and that is its fondness for the English sparrow, our imported bird-nuisance. This Hawk is gradually learning that there is a never-failing supply of food for it in the larger towns and cities. The Sharp-shinned Hawk is not uncommon in Central Park, New York, all through the winter, where the writer has witnessed it chasing sparrows, as he has also in some of the larger parks in Washington, D, C. Numerous reports 7626—No. 3——3 34 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. from various towns and villages show that the habit of visiting such places for the sparrow is becoming common. The following species of birds were positively identified among the stomach contents: Callipepla gambeli. Zenaidura macroura, Dryobates pubescens. Colaptes cafer. Colaptes auratus. Chetura pelagica, Molothrus ater. Icterus spurius. Quiscalus quiscula, Carpodacus m. frontalis. Spinus tristis. Ammodramus 8. savanna, Ammodramus 8. alaudinus, Zonotrichia albicollis. Spizella pusilla. Spizella socialis. Spizella monticola. Junco hyemalis. Melospiza fasciata. Passeretla iliaca. Passer domesticus. Pipilo aberti. Vireo olivaceus. Dendroica maculosa, Dendroica virens. Dendroica coronata, Dendroica castanea. Dendroica striata. Dendroica vigorsii. Seiurus aurocapillus, Geothlypis trichas. Sylvania pusilla. Sylvania p. pileolata. Sylvania canadensis. Mimus polyglottos. Galeoscoptes carolinensis. Harporhynchus crissalis. Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus. Thryothorus ludovicianus, Sitta canadensis. Parus atricapillus, Regulus calendula, Turdus alicie. Turdus aonalaschke pallasii. Merula migratoria. Sialia sialis. This little Hawk is one of the latest to commence nesting, laying its eggs when most of the other species have half-grown young. North of parallel 40° full complements of eggs are not found until the latter part of May, and early in June sets are often taken which are only slightly incubated. The nest, which is situated usually in a dense hemlock or other conifer, though occasionally in a deciduous tree, is rarely at any considerable height from the ground, 20 feet being a fair average. The bird is said to build sometimes in the crevices of cliffs or hollows of trees, but these sites must be considered exceptional. The nest is a large structure in proportion to the size of the bird, and is _ made of dry sticks more or less compactly placed together, with or without a sparse lining of soft inner bark or green leaves. It does not always construct its own nest, for it sometimes remodels the old nest of the crow, magpie, or even squirrel. The eggs are four or five in num- ber, and are usually deposited on alternate days, though occasionally only on every third day. Among the Raptores the nest of this species is one of the easiest to find, as the parents invariably commence scolding as soon as an intruder enters their domain, even when the nest is being constructed. The flight of the Sharp-shinned Hawk is swift, but irregular, often protracted, and is identical in character with that of the two following species. At times it passes rapidly along the fence rows or darts in SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. 35 and out among the brier patches in search of small birds; at other times it may be seen passing over the country high in the air or soaring in wide circles over some particular spot. DESCRIPTION. Tail more than two-thirds as long as wing, its tip even or slightly ,notched; wing not more than 8.80 inches (223™™), Adult.—Unitorm bluish gray above, top of head darker, tail crossed by several blackish bands; below, white, with breast and sides barred dusky or rufous. Immature.—Above, dusky more or less spotted with lighter, the feathers bordered with rusty; below, whitish, streaked with brown or dusky. Length: 10 to 14 inches (254 to 355™™); extent, 21 to 25 inches (533 to 635™"); wing, 6 to 8.80 inches (152 to 223™); tail, 5.80 to 8,20 inches (147 to 208™"), Table showing the results of examinations of 159 stomachs of the Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter velox). Poultry Locality. Date. game Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. 1rds. Sept. 10, 1885]...---..../...---.2.-- .| Empty. Sept. 17, 1885 pty, e220 seccees Warbler . Do Sept. 24, 1885 -| Field sparrow .- Southold, N. Y......-. Nov. 20, 1885 |--..-...-. Chipping spar- |..... row, purple ‘ackle. Alfred Centre, N. Y-...| Sept. 17, 1885 arbler.....-.. Taunton,-Mass.-....--- Oct. 6, 1885 --| Goldfinch.....-.- DO) pcescerseesees Nov. 21, 1885 |... -| 2 small birds..-. Sing Sing, N. Y---..-. Sept. 25, 1886 Junco and king- et. Peterboro, N. Y...-.-- July 22, 1886 |....----.. Small bird ...-.. Portland, Conn.......- Mar, 27, 1886 |.. sha)! ARGIOIM: sieibcpeiescteisie Maplewood, N.J..---- May 25, 1886 |.. -| Oriole, swift . .- onlay Co., Pa ..| Sept. 18, 1886 Small bird ...-.. Woodstock, Conn ..... May 2,1887 sie A Ohsa,s-craa sees Long Island City, N.Y.| Sept. 21, 1887 English spar- row, warbler. Greensboro, Ala ....-. Nov. 11, 1887 |. -| White-throated sparrow. Middletown, Conn ..../ Jan. 19,1887 |.-----.-.- 2 English spar- Tows. Portland, Conn.....--. Apr. 2, 1887 Wbsoe saves oxi DO: 23 sescescese Oct. 20, 1887 |.-. -| Field sparrow .. Fort Buford, N. Dak ..) Sept. 9, 1887 |.- -| Thrush......... Washington, D.C..... Dec. 31, 1887 Sing Sing, N.Y ....-.. Apr. 7, 1880 East Hartford, Conn -.-| Oct. 17, 1886 |-- Fasthampton, Mass...) May 9,1874|.. South Windsor, Conn .| Nov. 4, 1887 |.- Do. Portland, Conn........ Nov. 8, 1886 |.. Do. DO cssesesicis cece) Feb. 4,1881 Fort Buford, N. Dak ..| Sept., 1887 |.-. Sandy Spring, Md Apr. 23, 1887 Do. Do.. 2% --+-do . Do. Do --do. Do -| Sept. 20, 1887 |...--.....]--------- Do. Do. .---| Sept. 26, 1887 Small bird . Do .. sel OGb.: -2;1BBT I, vesiewcitwsll cies sceeee ere Do. Do. j[ NOV n= Ds ASOT eg a a'eintacas| sama ce neni areca! nents Do. DO) seco cnasicea NOW. 22, 1880 scceewis eras secwsamewmeraneiasis Do. Chester County, Pa ...| Nov. 26,1886 ].......... Fox sparrow, |....-..-.......... song sparrow. Do ......- ole nioiaae Sept. 20, 1884 1.......... Field sparrow ..'...ccsseccessscces Beetles 36 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. Table showing the results of examinations of 159 stomachs of the Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter velox )—Continued. Poultry Locality. Date. or oom Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds Chestet Commi Pa. 22.) Sépt:28; 1880 | Quail sac) 2. soc cccc ce ck seeslewason vnwieeseneeen sassemeatane toe Sept. 10, 1874 |. De dpaes totes cee Oct., 1875 |. Doin uesanscace- Feb. 16, 1880|........-. D Insects. Elmira, N. ¥ nglish sparrow DDO sca doccisasietes ‘Apr. 18, 1886 222.| Small bin cewsea ls Big Flats, N. ¥ ..----- Sept 23, 1886 .| English sparrow ]|....--.-.--------- Do ...-----------|----d0 .----.- Sat weeaalseninea secs Indeterminate. ene Fla.-.----- Dec. “83, ABBE, ifc-crcjeinictearsis| srciece ancisiatarcinvdioeiours |e aieratoniniciatiem me wisicis Empty. Sandy Spring, Md..... May 8.1888 ))j:0. coxcns| camavaets coccacesaecememmnausisenise ‘be East Hartford, Conn -.| Apr. 29) 1888 Do Carter Station, Wyo -. res ag Station, Mont. Sandy Spring, Md..... Beer annon, W. Va... fo) Fairmont, W. Va ee ad Beach, L.I. Ogden, Utah -..-. Cobourg, Canada . - Sandy Spring, Md..... San Francisco Moun- ag Ariz. Wellesley Hills, Mass - Sandy Spring, Md..... Beaver, Schroon Lake, N. ¥ .-- St. = manent $.C. Albany ‘County, N. Y_| Ta Rensselaer County, N.Y. Troy, N. Y Ga ordsville, Conn Hale County, Ala. ey Spring, Ma..... Ol eipewee tensors -| Apr. May 5,1888 Aug. 29, 1887 Oct. 1,1887 Sept. 13, 1888 2 oO “Sept. 26, 1888 Sept. 15, 1888 Sept. 9, 1888 Nov. 10, 1888 ‘Aug. 3, 1888 ‘Ang. 13, 1888 Sept. 18, 1888 Sept. 26, 1888 Oct. 11,1888 Ang. 30, 1888 |: - May 1,1889 Aug. 13, 1889 Aug. 27, 1889 Sept. 27, 1889 Oct. 14,1889 Aug. 1, 1889 Aug. 10, 1882 Dec. 26, 1884 ----do Dec. 18, 1888 J uly 4 1884 .| Sept. 15, 1886 ao 11, 1886 : ‘tae 20, 1888 Sept. 11, 1885 Jan. 30, 1887 Sept. re 1888 Sept. 30, 1988 Apr. 30 Dee. Bove an, 11,1890 Teh. 22, 1890 -| Song sparrow. . Song sparrow. .-|. Yellow -rumped (4) warbler. Savanna spar- row. Goldfinch....--. English sparrow}. --| House finch... - -| Red-billed nut- |. hatch. Song (?) sparrow}. Wilson's black- cap. 2 blackpoll (?) warblers. Feathers Downy wood- pecker. Small bird Savanna sparrow Small bird Feathers .| Feathers.....-.. Flicker and small bird. Sparrow 2 sparrows...... .| 2 chickadees... . Fox sparrow, other sparrow. mouse. Do. Grasshopper. Dragon flies. Empty. Do Do. SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. 37 Table showing the results of examinations of 159 stomachs of the Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter velox)—Continued. Poultry Locality. Date. ae ae Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds. Sept. 24, 1889 |... . Snowbird.....-- -| Oct. 5, 1889 ]........-. Song sparrow.. -| May 6, 1889 Robin = Raleigh N.C... Nov. 12, 1889 --| Empty. ersieinie) ofcisiaas Dec. 24,1889 : De Sandy Spring, Md..... May 1,1890].......... Yellowbird .... a Moun- | Aug. 19,1889 ].......... Warbler .--..... tain, A Highland ‘Palls, N. Mee iOOtt. Vl, USI ramemtsicis = eweeasess awa cts eicl|s spemisiniciaiets aieewleihs Do. Garrisons, Putnam | Apr. 28,1877|........-.. Field sparrow ..|...-......--+----- County, N. Y. Barnegat, N.J..--.--..| Nov. 5, 1878 |.....-..-- Field sparrow, |---.--------.----- other birds. Camp Verde, Ariz ..... May 1,1884].....-.-.- Mocking bird...|.--.-...........-. Mea tlon Mountains}: |-OGt:: 13) 1884 |e: esis ac ceseje ctaceiece guncicanseig SEC SSE cs ainiste wale ale Do. riz. Globe City, Ariz 2 BOP TBRE fo eccsccwics s Ash Fork, Ariz. 6, 1884 |-.......-- Do. Camp Verde, Ariz ..... Dec, 15, 1884 |-...------ Do. Yavapai County, Ariz .| Jan. 15,1885 |.........- Do. Camp Verde, Ariz ..... Oct. 10, 1885 | Gambel’s}. quail. Do .. BOO) arcinisicvara| ciate do .. Do ‘Dee. 23, 1885 Do .. .| Jan. 5 1886 | Gambel’s quail. Do.. ADE: 451886 ier antens.cis|ieesieeesaisieais aoe Do. Do .. -| Apr. 8, 1886 }........-- Crissal thrasher |- Do .. -| Nov. 1,1886 |.......... Mourning dove.|. Do.. Dec. 30, 1886 Do. Do Sept. 13, 1887 Do. DO pce sisi sjeieysrcigszinse Jan. 7, 1888 Feb. 3, 1888 Do. Feb. 10, 1888 é Do. Feb. 18, 1888 “Red-shafted flicker. Morristown, N.J....-- May’. 21800 s:ciacisa-asiolerts veeognssieeeemes |e eeasemeieweed 2 Do. Madisonville, La..-... Aug. 7,1890]........-- Pine-creeping |....--..........-- Grasshoppers. warbler. Sandy § Spring, Md..... Sept. 19, 1890 Empty. Do.... Sept. 21, 1890 elie ciceier e be Do .. oleae MO tain cisiciore Warbler . .- Do.. -do ...---.]- -| Vireo, warbler. Do.. ei ‘Sept. 23, 1890 |. Catbird DO ic eocceeweusioes, Dec. 5 1890 | aviccwecencles nazar ces cccemcis Do. Salmon River Moun- | Aug. 28, 1890 Black-capped tains, Idaho. warbler. Portland, Conn........ Oct. 1,1890}.......... Field sparrow-..|..-..--------.+++- Do ...-.- Oct. 2.1890 --| Song sparrow. ..). Raleigh, N.C ...--- Oct. 1884 |... .| Flicker =. 2222: 2.|e25« Sandy Spring, Md. Dec. 9, 1890 |. Tree sparrow...|.-.-. Dunn-Loring, Va....-.. Dee. 10, 1890 |. Hermit thrush... Wayne County, Mich -| Oct. 5, 1890 |. - Robin .-.... Eliot, York Coane Aug. 12, 1890 Warbler Sandy Spring, Md ....| Nov. 26, P89 ec erctcstesrealllisecisiacce: Do. Portland, Conn......-. Oct. 10, 1891 Do. Nashville, N. ML ecieenisic May 13, 1892 jf eimeaaeies 1 other small bird. Portland, Conn........| May 9, 1892 Do. pany Spring, g, Me 1892. : alaidtaye apetydn aie create 1892. -| Go. dfinch wees one other small bird. Shreweb vty Mass Au fi VSO, | secisen veil se acs eceeeesnimsite Do. DO. seas cee Do. DOs joe in citeeiaicisicss aia Do. Summary.—Of 159 stomachs examined, 6 contained poultry or game birds; 99, other birds; 6, mice; 5, insects; and 52 were empty. 38 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. COOPER’S HAWK. Accipiter cooperi. [Plate 5—Adult.] Cooper’s Hawk, which resembles the Sharp-shinned Hawk closely in everything except size, is less northern in its distribution. It inhabits the whole of North America from the southern portion of the British provinces throughout the United States and the greater part of Mex- ico. It winters regularly from about latitude 40° southward, though occasionally it is seen at this time of the year in southern Canada. It breeds throughout its range, and is common everywhere in suitable localities. The food of this Hawk, like that of its smaller congener, consists almost entirely of wild birds and poultry, though from its superior size and strength it is able to cope successfully with much larger birds, and hence is much more to be dreaded. Besides birds, it occasionally captures small mammals, reptiles, batrachians, and insects. Mr. Cal- vin Rawson saw one of these Hawks make a bold dash at a muskrat, but it was unsuccessful in the capture. (Ornith. and Oologist, vol., vi, 1881, p. 74.) From the following quotation by Mr. Charles F. Morrison, it would appear that in Colorado it feeds more extensively on insects than in most parts of the country: “It preys upon grouse, hares, and reptiles. Its fondness for the ranchman’s poultry is very nearly paid for by the insects it eats; both this and the preceding adding grasshoppers and bugs to their bill of fare.” (Ornith. and Oologist, vol. xv, 1889, p. 7.) Mr. W. E. Clyde Todd, of Beaver, Pa., furnishes the following note on this Hawk: “The crops and stomachs of five young, still in the down, which were taken from a nest in the top of a tulip tree on July 8, 1891, contained among other things not identified, the remains of a brown thrasher and light-colored flesh, evidently that of a young ruffed grouse, of which there was a covey in the same woods.” Cooper’s Hawk is very destructive to domesticated pigeons, and when it finds a cote which is easy of approach, is very troublesome. Dr. William C. Avery, of Greensboro, Ala., informs us that during one year he killed and wounded at least a dozen of these Hawks before the inroads among his doves ceased. Among the smaller birds, this Hawk is very fond of meadowlarks, robins, and flickers. The writer on sev- eral occasions has secured specimens in hot pursuit of the last named bird, which gave expression to their alarm by loud and continued cries. Poultry of all kinds form a very large part of its food. Dr. Warren states that a pair of these Hawks destroyed some fifty chickens from one farm, twelve of which were taken in asingle day. The writer knew (SNe Se DiyeO iin nie oy | No 3. Div, Ornithology 1. No 3. Div. Ornithology Plate 5 COOPER'S HAWK. 39 of one of these Hawks which made daily visits to a coop containing a late brood of Wyandotte chickens, and undoubtedly would have taken all but for its timely death by the gun. The following quotations show how extensively it feeds on game and domesticated birds. Nuttall says: “ His food appears principally to be birds of various kinds; from the sparrow to the Ruffed Grouse, all contribute to his rapacious appetite. * * * His depredations among the domestic fowls are very destruc- tive.” (Land Birds, 1832, p. 90.) Dr. Coues says: ‘It attacks and destroys hares, grouse, teal, and even the young of larger ducks, * * * besides capturing the usual vari- ety of smaller birds and quadrupeds. It occasionally seizes upon rep- tiles or picks up insects.” (Birds of Northwest, p. 338.) Mr. H. Nehrling says: “‘This very common and impudent robber is the most destructive of the Raptores to the barnyard fowls; in a short time all the young chickens, turkeys, and ducks are killed by it.” (Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club, vol. vir, 1882, p. 174.) Mr. Thomas Mellwraith says: “This is one of the chicken hawks, and it well deserves the name, from the havoc it makes among the poultry.” (Birds of Ontario, }). 137.) Mr. Henshaw informs me that the Cooper’s Hawk is very partial to quail’s flesh in California and the southern territories, and that it un- doubtedly secures many victims. He once saw a young female dart into a bevy of Gambel’s quail and seize one with the utmost ease, though the birds were flying at full speed. In an instant the flock scattered in every direction and sought refuge in the bushes, from which it proved next to impossible to dislodge them. They had recog. nized their enemy and evidently knew that their only chance for safety lay in close hiding. The following examination, made by Dr. B. H. Warren, gives a very ’ good summary of this Hawk’s food: “Of the thirty-four birds which I have examined, sixteen showed the food taken to have been chickens; ten revealed small birds—sparrows, warblers, and meadow-larks; two, quail; one, bull-frogs; three, mice and insects; two, hair and other re- mains of small quadrupeds.” (Birds of Pennsylvania, 1888, p. 80.) This species is preéminently a ‘Chicken Hawk,’ as may be seen from the foregoing citations. Its devastations in this direction are much greater than those of all the other hawks and owls together, with the possible exception of the Sharp-shinned Hawk, which attacks much smaller chickens. Like the Sharp-shinned Hawk this species has learned that the Eng- lish sparrow is not only an acceptable article of food but is also a read- ily accessible one. Consequently of late years it has been much more common during the winter months in the larger parks of cities, where it spreads terror among the sparrows, 40 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. The following species of mammals and birds were positively identi- fied among the stomach contents: MAMMALS. Spinus tristis. Tamias quadrivittatus. Ammodramus s. savanna. Tamias striatus. Zonotrichia l. intermedia. Sigmodon hispidus. Spizella monticola. Spermophilus beecheyi. Spizella pusilla. Lepus sylvaticus. Junco hyematlis. BIRDS. Melospiza fasciata. Bonasa umbellus. . Passer domesticus. Colinus virginianus, ‘Pipilo erythrophthalmus, Callipepla gambeli. Helminthophila celata lutescens. Zenaidura macroura. Sitta c. aculeata, Colaptes auratus. Turdus u. swainsoni. Sturnella magna neglecta. Turdus a. pallasii. Quiscalus quiscula. Merula migratoria. An instance of this Hawk attacking a person was experienced by Mr. C.D. Walcott, in Lewis County, N. Y., August 31, 1886. Mr. Walcott was in a secluded glen busily engaged in collecting fossils, when an indi- vidual alighted near by. Almost instantly the bird pitched at him and was repelled with a geological hammer. Undaunted it made a second and more vigorous attack on the paleontologist, which was met in turn by more decided action on his part, and resulted in the death of the Hawk from a sweeping blow of the hammer. The nest is situated indifferently in the tops of the lofty trees or in the second growth within 10 or 15 feet of the ground; most authors state that evergreen trees are principally chosen for the site, though the writer does not remember of ever having found one in this situa- tion. The nest resembles that of the crow somewhat in structure and size, but lacks the finish and compact lining found in that of the latter bird. It is often bulky, the sticks composing it are quite large, and the lining usually is nothing more than the rough outer bark of the spruce, oak, or hickory. Like the preceding species, it frequently re- models the old nests of other Hawks, crows, or even those of the squir- rels. The male assists in building the new nest or repairing the old oue. When the nest is approached or even when the grove containing it is entered, the Hawks will often fly about and scold at the intruder until he leaves. The eggs, which are usually four or five in number, are deposited during the latter part of April to the middle of May, accord- ing to latitude. Even in Texas fresh eggs are found about the first of May, though as an exceptional case Mr. Nehrling found young in April. The flight of this species is very rapid, irregular, and usually is car- ried on at no great height from the ground, in all these particulars closely resembling that of the Sharp-shinned Hawk. In the ‘Birds of the Northwest’ Dr. Coues mentions three birds of this species which he saw at a ranch in Arizona. They were perfectly tame, and at the time of his visit were allowed full liberty to go where they pleased, and al- ways returned to their owner at the sound of his whistle. COOPER’S HAWK. Al DESCRIPTION. Tail more than two-thirds as long as wing, its tip decidedly rounded ; wing more than 8.80 inches (223™") and less than 12 inches (305"™). Adult.—Uniform bluish-gray above, top of head blackish; tail crossed by several blackish bands; below white, with breast and sides barred with dusky or rufous. Immuture.—Dusky above, more or less spotted with lighter, feathers with rusty edges; below whitish, streaked with brown or dusky. Length: 14 to 20 inches (355 to 508™™); extent, 27 to 32 inches (686 to 812™™); wing, 8.85 to 11 inches (223 to 280™™); tail, 7.80 to 10.50 inches (197 to 267"). This species closely resembles the Sharp-shinned Hawk, but may be distinguished by its larger size and the fact that the end of the tail is rounded instead of straight or slightly notched. Table showing the resulis of examinations of 133 stomachs of Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperi). 7 Poultry Locality. Date. * ene Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds Taunton, Mass ........ Sept. 21, 1885 Do ....-- -| Oct. 6, 1885 River Vale, N. .| Sept. 18, 1886 1 grasshopper. Washington, D. c. -| Nov. 28, 1886 Sin “cee Me: Sept. 7, 1880 Dares Noy. 18, 1884 |...d Greensboro, Ala. Oct. 28, 1887 Empty. a savatd deat .| Mar. é Do July —, 1887 Do .. Aug. 4, 1887 Do. Aug. 30, 1887 Do. Sept. 13, 188i -| Sand lizar Wethersfield, Conn.... East Hartford, Conn Sand, Spring, M Ma ae ieee Do. 22, 1887 7, 1887 25, 1887 Do. Sept. 14, 1887 Do. . 21, 1887 Do. 24, 1887 26, 1887 30, 1888 a il, TSBBHiccaroncess Junco, savanna sparrow. AB, BBG: ssaccisiacisescie EMNCO ss siciniesie aan DE ABBE: | cecrecons! Small bird...... 17, 1886 | Chicken |..............--.- 10, 1887 |..-...---- Small bird..-.-. ST ISBT | sence loader rece Do. 1, 1887 | cccceccese Small bird....-. 20,1887 | Chicken |.-.-.........-.---- BB MOBE | ceciseitwarcs Meadow lark. .-. Do.... bes 6 VTE! |S sccincamee Small bird -..-.. New Castle Co., Del... ol isaac cane ares tare ~Williston, Pa.......... Dec. 6,1878].........- ird...-.- East Bradford, Pa..-..| May 25, 1875 |......----|--..----.----0---- nome Frog. East Goshen, Pa ...-..|; May ice. Beetles. West Chester, Pa Re Pocopson, Pa. a L: West Chester, Pa ...--| Sept. 10, 1880 |.........- English sparrow]. Sandy Spring, Md.....| Mar. 1G 1888! | score asset Sparrow ........ Ne Gainesville, ies DeCs. 22, 1887 |acccessecs|jecseaenes--cnenns Empty. Sandy Spring, Md.. Mar. 24, 1888 |.......... Song sparrow. DO oo -eeckee of BA. Bp LBBS |. caetcncnits loxnncencenaeeweanes Do. Aer 26, 1888 | 2 young | 1 flicker......... chickens East Hartford, Conn...! Sept. 19, 1887 |..........1..... we vidwive wean siieeassakion uvevad Do. 42 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. Table showing the results of examinations of 133 stomachs of Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperi)—Continued. Poultry | Locality. Date. a Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds. ! pay Spring, Md..... mo ie 28, 1888 |...------- a Pace Lawise neice (eee ee mane kce | ee sas AOac cemese| 6 avee® « De Custer, S. Dak. . Bridgeport, Conn. Greensboro, Ala.. ag Spring, Md. San Francisco Moun- tain, Ariz. Greensboro, ola Sian” Ground, Long Island, N. Y. Cincinnati, Ohio Do Fairfield, Ind. Brookville, Ind. saghs N.C. Greensboro, Ala- Sandy Spring, Md - Greensboro, Ala... Bellefontaine, Chio.... Marfa, Tex ............ Highland Falls, N.Y .- Pine yes Tonto Ba- sin, Ariz. Yavapai County, Ariz. Verde River, Ariz Camp Verde, Ariz - Do Yavapai Sens Ariz. a a Do Touchet Station, Wash. Sandy Spring, Morristown, 1S ceeeee -| Dec. -| Dec. -| Dec. .| Jan. «| Nov. -| Sept. 8, 1888 Aug. 4,1889 Sept. 30, 1889 Oct. 14,1889 Dec. Dec. May 6, 1888 Sept. 12, 1886 Jan. 13, 1882 May 11, 1885 Oct. Feb. June 1; 1889 Jan. 22,1890 May 10, 1876 May 2, 1884 Aug. 20, 1884 Sept. 15, 1884 Sept. 16, 1884 Oct. 24, 1884 June 25, 1885 Aug. 6,1885 9, 1885 May 27,1886 =| Aug. 15, 1886 |. Sept. 6, 1886 |. Apr. 1, 1887 May 13,1887 Aug. 17, 1887 Nov. 1, 1887 Feb. 10, 1888 Sept. —, 1890 Nov. 19, 1890 Sept. 17, 1890 ie Tuly 9, 1888 |. -| Oct. -| Aug. 16, 1888 |. 4, 1888 |. Feb. 28, 1889 |. May 24, 1885 |: 9; 1885 |! Sept. 23, 1884 |. Youn g chicken -| Nuthatch. : ‘Orange: Bird .... Young bird :| Hermit pheel; -| Feathers. --. Feathers. . Small bird Sparro -| Intermediate sparrow. warbler. 1 sparrow... 1 field sparrow. . -crowned Song sparrow... Monse Rocky Mountain chipmunk. Do. Do. *.| 1six-lined lizard. -, Empty Do. Do. Do. Bull. No.3. Div. Ornithology Plate 6 AMERICAN GOSHAWK Accipiter célricaptillien AWK HAWK GOSHAWK. 43 Table showing the results of examinations of 133 stomachs of Coopers Hawk (Accipiter cooperi)—Continued. Poultry Locality. Date. or game Other birds. Mammals. Miscellancous. birds. Morristown, N.J...... Sept. 19, 1890 |.. -| Song sparrow...|.-----------+----- Eubank, Ky.. Apr. 15, 1889 ‘| White feathers . Union County, K Oct. 11, 1890 DO 2 22ieis vse Nov. 1, 1890 Wayne County, Mich..| May 4, 1890 }.. . 5 Lancaster County, Pa .| Nov. 16,1891 ].. ais dap meeaseamrncecine Empty. Sandy Spring, Md..... Mar. 17, 1892 |. . . Sista wars = Portland, Conn.....--- Mar. 17, 1891 |. - Sjase|[eneeralssete sicisisisteigrers| 2a a Do. Do ---| Oct. 1,1891 1: eee ee aon -| Oct. 12, 1891 i A eee rer red Peet ave May 1, 1892 aie] sree — Do. Jan. ah 1891 ane nie |e ieee wes Do. .-| California ground squirrel. May 30,1892]........-. Song sparrow...|.-...---.---+--6-- 1992 Tuly 28,1891 SummMary.—Of 133 stomachs examined, 34 contained poultry or game birds; 52, other birds; 11, mam- mals; 1, frog; 3, lizards; 2, insects; and 39 were empty. GOSHAWK. Accipiter atricapillus. [Plate 6—-Adult.] The Goshawk is more northerly in its distribution than the two pre- ceding species of the genus and is separable into two geographical races. The typical form (atricapillus) inhabits northern and eastern North America west to the Rocky Mountains and eastern Washington and Oregon; breeding in the east chiefly north of the United States and in the Rocky Mountains as far south as Colorado. The west coast race (striatulus) inhabits the Pacific coast north to Sitka, and breeds as far south, in the Sierra Nevada, as latitude 30°. The writer has seen a specimen from Labrador which to all appearances was iden- tical with those from the west coast. In autumn and winter it wanders south casually to Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas, and New Mexico. As above stated, but a small proportion of the species re- main in the United States to breed, though a few are found in all the northern tier of States during that period. It is a common resident throughout the wooded portions of the British provinces, and in sum- mer occurs commonly from Hudson Bay to the Arctic Circle and through the intervening country to northern Alaska. The Goshawk, like the two preceding species of the genus, feeds largely on the flesh of birds, and to a less extent on mammals. Poultry, ducks, grouse, and many of the smaller birds, together with hares, squirrels, and other rodents make up its fare. Fortunately, in most farming dis- tricts, at least in the United States, it is comparatively rare except during the fall and winter months, otherwise its depredations among the 44 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. poultry would be avery serious matter. Its large size and greater strength enable it to carry off heavier quarry than Cooper’s Hawk, and consequently its powers for mischief are more to be dreaded by the poultrymen. Mr. L. M. Turner states that in Alaska the lemming forms a consideral part of its food. This species is one of the most daring of all the Hawks, and while in pursuit of its prey is apparently less concerned by the presence of man than any other. It will dart down unexpectedly at the very feet of the farmer and carry off a fowl. The following from the pen of the late Dr. William Wood gives evidence of its boldness: “The goshawk is the most daring and venturesome of any of our diurnal birds of prey. A farmer who resides a few miles from my office, wishing to perpetuate the old New England custom of having a chicken pie for Thanksgiving dinner, caught some fowls, took them to a log, severed the neck of one, and threw it down beside him. In an instant a goshawk seized the struggling fowl, and, flying off some ten rods, alighted and commenced devouring his prey. The boldness of the attack so astonished the farmer that he looked on with blank amazement. Recovering from his surprise, he hastened into the house and brought out his gun, which secured him both the hawk and the fowl. Another instance of still greater daring occurred near East Windsor Hill, Con- nectcut. A goshawk flew after a fowl near a dwelling house; the door being open, the hen flew inside; the hawk followed, and seized her in the room occupied by an old gentleman and his daughter. The old man hastened to the rescue, and struck the hawk with a cane before it re- leased its grasp. The daughter caught the hawk as it attempted to fly out of the door, and killed it.” (Amer. Nat., vol. x, 1876, p. 134). Capt. Charles E. Bendire informed the writer that at Fort Klamath, Oregon, he once shot at a Goshawk and slightly wounded it with fine shot, and in the course of a few minutes it returned and attacked a chicken. Numerous cases are on record where it has flown through windows to attack canaries or other cage birds. In the general character of its flight, as well as the mode of hunting and capturing its prey, it closely resembles Cooper’s Hawk, though it frequents the thick woods rather more than the latter bird. In the fall this Hawk is common along the smaller water courses where it is very destructive to wild ducks and other water fowl, and is able to strike down a bird as large as a full-grown mallard. If its prey is a bird of this size it rarely eats more than the flesh from the breast, leaving the rest of the carcass untouched. Scorning to feed upon carrion, another victim is secured when hunger returns. Of the upland game birds the ptarmigan in the North and the ruffed grouse in the middle districts suffer severely from the attacks of this powerful Hawk. Dr. William H. Dall, who found it common in the valley of the Yukon River, states that it feeds largely on the white ptarmigan, the flocks of which it follows from place to place. E. W. Nelson and GOSHAWK, 45 L. M. Turner both corroborate its destructiveness among these birds. In some parts of the country the Goshawk hunts the ruffed grouse so persistently that it is known by the name of ‘Partridge Hawk,’ and this bird probably has no worse enemy except man. As Audubon was passing down the Ohio he observed one of these Hawks dive into a flock of grackles which was crossing the river, and kill four or five of them. After giving each victim a fatal squeeze the Hawk allowed it to fall to the water and at the close of the chase returned and picked up all from the surface. Its rapid flight and the rapidity with which it makes a sudden turn enable it to capture squirrels without trouble, rabbits and mice being also taken. A very curious performance which was enacted by this bird, with a night heron as a second party, was witnessed by Mr. H. W. Henshaw, and is as follows: ‘One that I shot on the Williamson’s River was in hot chase of a kingfisher, which he doubtless would have seized in an- other moment. Another, on the same river, was noticed chasing a night heron. The attack was persistently kept up, but evidently with no in- tention on the part of the hawk of making the heron his prey. Forcing the heavy-winged heron into the open this hawk would close in and ap- parently give the ungainly bird a buffet with his wing, which each time produced a loud and discontented squawk. It occurred to me, as a possible solution of the motive of the hawk, that he intended to force his victim to throw up any fish it might have secured, and so furnish him an easy dinner.” (Report of the Chief of Engineevs, U.S. A., 1879, p. 2292.) Little can be said in favor of this Hawk, as the destruction of a few injurious rodents is a very meager offset for the great number of game birds and the poultry it destroys. The following species of mammals and birds were positively identi- fied among the stomach contents: MAMMALS. BIRDS, Lepus sylvaticus. Bonasa umbellus. Sciurus richardson. Colinus virginianus. Sciurus hudsonicus. Zenaidura macroura. Sciurus carolinensis leucotis. The nest is a bulky structure, and, although considerably larger, re- sembles quite closely in appearance that of the crow, except that it lacks the compact and nicely arranged lining common to the nest of the latter species. Externally it is composed of tolerably large sticks loosely placed together, which surround a more compact mass of smaller twigs containing the cavity of the nest. The lining is usually nothing more than a small quantity of soft inner bark, weed stalks, or leaves. The nest is situated in a large tree, generally an evergreen, well up among the higher branches, and in the thickest part of the forest. 46 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. The eggs, which are from two to five in number, three being the rule, are deposited from the middle of April to the latter part of May, ac- cording to the latitude. DESCRIPTION. Bare portion of leg in front shorter than middle toe; wing more than 12 inches (305™™). Adult.—Above bluish slate color with blackish shaft streaks; top of head deep black; tail crossed by four dusky bands; below white, thickly barred with narrow zigzag lines of grey; feathers often streaked in middle with dusky. Immature.—Above, dusky greyish, feathers margined with buff; be- low, whitish or pale buff with narrow stripes of blackish. Length: 21 to 25 inches (533 to 634™™); extent, 42 to 46 inches (1067 to 1169"); wing, 12 to 14.25 inches (305 to 362™™); tail, 9.50 to 12.75 inches (241 to 324 ™™), Table showing the results of examinations of 28 stomachs of the Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus). 7 Poultry Locality. Date. a Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds, Sandy Spring, Md..--- Dec. 27, 1887 Adirondack Mts.,N.¥| Oct. 31,1882 Philadelphia, Pa....-.. Jan. 12,1886 Dixon and Cedar | Aug. — 1867 counties, Nebr. Few locusts. Tioga, Pa .....-------- Feb. 17, 1886 Elmira, N. Y.- -| Apr. 12, 1886 Beetles. Bridgeport, Conn. -| Oct. 29, 1888 a Lockport, N. ¥ ..-..-. Feb. 5, 1889 }.. on Suffolk County,| Feb. 2. 1889 |.. Grant County, N. Mex.| Sept. 4, 1886 |..do -..-.|..---- 2-22 ee cee ce [eee eee eee eee eeees 30 sphinx larva, 3 centipeds. Troy, N. Y..........-- Nov. — 1878 |..-+--.--- Empty. Saratoga a Cua N.Y.| Dec. — 1879]......---- an Do. Rensee aer County | Oct. 25,1884) Ruifed rouse. aed -| Dec. 29, 1884 |..do....- Do Oct. 1885 |. Do. ahs 20, 1886 |. Huntington, Cc. 22,1889 |. Do. San Francisco Moun- en 20 1889 | tain, Ariz. Elk River, Minn ...... Feb. 10,1890 | Chicken. Cat bse ill Mountains,| Dec. 2.1879]|.-........ Do. Cam J onte, Ariz Dec. 2, 1886 Do. ay aeiassissnistcts -| Jan. 10, 1887 West PoIae N.Y Dec. 27, 1880 Do, Saw Tooth Mountains, Sept. 30, 1890 Do. Idaho. DO) cvsiteatesieseuisione: Sept. 28, 1890 Birch Creek, Idaho. ...] Sept. 8, 1890 Do. Salmon River Moun- Sept. 6, 1890 tains, Idaho. Morris Plains, N. J ...| Nov. 12, 1890 SumMary.—Of 28 stomachs examined, 9 contained poultry or game birds; 2, other birds; 10, mam mals; 3, insects; 1, centiped; and 8 were empty. HARRIS’S HAWK. 47 HARRIS’S HAWK. Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi. Harris’s Hawk is a southern species, occurring in most portions of middle America and extending northward regularly to Texas and Arizona. The typical form, of which our bird is a geographical race, inhabits South America from Chile and the Argentine Republic north- ward to the isthmus of Panama. Audubon’s type was secured in Louisi- ana, but the bird is rare in that State. The food of this Hawk consists largely of offal, the smaller reptiles and mammals, and occasionally birds. Mr. C. C. Nutting states that a specimen obtained in Costa Rica wag shot while in the act of carrying off a chicken. (Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., vol. v, 1882, p. 404). The fol- lowing is what Mr. G. B. Sennett says of its food in Texas: “I found in the crops of those I obtained, mice, lizards, birds, and often the Mexican striped gopLer (Spermophilus mexicanus), proving them active hunters, instead of the sluggish birds they appeared the year before at Brownsville” (Bull. U. S. Geol. and Geog. Sur. Terr., vol. v, pp. 419- 420). This species, like other Hawks of the same class, does very little dam- age to poultry or beneficial birds. The nest is placed indifferently in bushes among the long leaves of the Spanish bayonet (yucca) or in trees to the height of 40 or 50 feet. The eggs, which are usually two or three in number, are deposited in the first or second week in April and the young make their appearance early in May. Both birds assist in incubating the eggs as well as in securing food for the young. The species is not shy, and may be approached without much diffi- culty. This fearlessness on the part of the bird most probably accounts for the statements that it is peculiarly sluggish, whereas it is no more so than the other buzzard hawks. DESCRIPTION. Space between eyes and base of upper part of bill nearly naked. Inner webs of the five outside wing feathers cut out. Prevailing color uniform dark sooty brown; shoulders, under wing feathers, and thighs rich chestnut; tail black, with base and broad band at tip white; feathers covering base of tail white. Length: 17.50 to 24 inches (445 to 610™™); extent 43 to 47 inches (1092 to 1194™™); wing 12.30 to 14.50 inches (312 to 368™™); tail 9.80 to 11 inches (248 to 280™). 48 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. Table showing the results of examinations of 6 stomachs of Harris’s Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi). Poultry Locality. Date. on pene Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds Phoenix, Ariz .......- May 13,1889 |.....-.-- |.----------- ee eee Small mammal.. DO Vsicesrnermecaceles: iss AAO y errioseupsd Laceinseic wie eas em ceinn Se eceeR SES Fort Yumasper- mophile. DDO) iavticicrate/sicicigicrsiies sins slO! ccexnicehawuienesieeleenceeseuden cece: Spermophile. ... DO ws sscieeseieie getser vowel O 2s cemes |ascuieanirotleccaenunatckeawess Small mammal. . DO: decors soeeesecy sesslO) o2 surance emirgcen teilledmanmisainenieme es Rabbit hair... -. Cuterebra. Rio Verde, Ariz ....... May 18, 1886 |.-..------|-------e- es see cree cee ee eece ence ee Empty. Summary.—Of 6 stomachs examined, 5 contained mammals ; 1, insects; and 1 was empty. RED-TAILED HAWK. Buteo borealis. {Plate 7—Adult and immature.] The Red-tail, or ‘Hen Hawk,’ as it is commonly termed, is one of the best known of all our raptorial birds. Its Jarge size, wide distribution, and habit of frequenting open ground while hunting, cause it to be noticed by the most indifferent observer. The careful study of the food of this Hawk is of the greatest economic importance. The more so from the fact that like its congener the Red-shouldered Hawk, its inappropri- ate name ‘Hen Hawk’ stimulates an unceasing warfare against it. The farmers, who are chiefly benefited by it, are its most pronounced ene- mies, because of the erroneous belief that the Red-tailed Hawk isa per- sistent and destructive enemy of poultry. A species as powerful and numerous as this must exert a marked in- fluence for good or evil on agriculture, according as its food consists of beneficial or injurious forms of animal life. Abundant proof is at hand to show that this Hawk greatly prefers the smaller mammals, reptiles, and batrachians, taking little else when these are obtainable in sufficient numbers; but if hard pressed by hun- ger it will eat almost any form of animal life, such as poultry and other birds, insects, crawfish, and even offal or carrion. Mr. Vernon Bailey, writing from Marfa, Tex., in January, 1890, says: ‘The crops and stomachs of seven contained hair and flesh of goats. A large number of goats are kept near here, and the hawks feed on those that die.” It is to be remarked that young Hawks are less particular as to the character of their food, and they are more frequently found to be the depredators of the poultry yards. The reason for this seems to be a lack of skill in procuring a sufficient quantity of the more usual prey. During winter a number of these immature birds frequent the exten. sive crow roost in the Arlington National Cemetery, near the city of Washington, and subsist partially on the dead and sickly crows. On one occasion, while on the river marsh below the roost in company with Mr. W. F. Roberts, the writer saw one of these birds stoop at a crow No.3. Div, Ornithology No.3. Div. Ornithology hes ee) its No.3. Div. Ornithology RED-TAILED HAWK Buteo borealis (Gmel) Buteo bo Buteo bo Pa ee ryt Plate 7 RED-TAILED HAWK. 49 which had just been shot. During the descent the crow made consider. able commotion, which evidently attracted the Hawk, for with a swift- ness of flight that would have done credit to the Duck Hawk it struck the crow just as it reached the ground. In the warmer parts of the year, the Red-tail feeds quite extensively on snakes and frogs, and indi- viduals may be seen flying with snakes in their talons, or may be started from the marshes while watching for frogs. Audubon states that he has seen it pounce on soft-shelled tortoises, but in each case the latter appeared to be successful in escaping to the water. At certain times, like the other Buteos, this Hawk seems to relish a diet of insects, of which grasshoppers, crickets, and the larve and imagos of the larger beetles form a large proportion. Meadow mice seem to form the staple article of its food, although at times other species of mice, arboreal and ground squirrels, rabbits, or an occasional mole or shrew are found among the stomach contents. This Hawk and its allied species render valuable service in reducing the numbers of ground squirrels (Spermophilus and Tamias) and rabbits, so abundant and excessively injurious to crops in some parts of the west. In western Texas Mr. Lloyd states that the Red-tail “feeds on prairie dogs, cotton-tails, jack-rabbits, and occasionally brings a scaled quail to the young.” (Auk, vol. Iv, 1887, p. 188.) Mr. William Brewster, writing of the food of this Hawk, says: “At this season [winter] it feeds exclusively on mice and rats; in early spring on toads, frogs, snakes, and the like. I doubt if it ever attacks birds, for in about a dozen specimens examined at different seasons I have never been able to detect any of their remains, nor have I ever seen _ it pursue one. Occasionally a wounded quail or snipe will fall a prey, but such cases must be rare.” (Forest and Stream, vol. v1, 1876, p. 3.) Joseph H. Batty writes: “The red-tailed hawk is a powerful bird, and I once saw one strike a full-grown muskrat, which it tore to pieces and devoured the greater part. * * * JT have taken portions of the bodies of young woodchucks and gray rabbits from the craws of hawks of this species; it is evident that they prey largely upon mammals as well as fowl.” (Forest and Stream, Iv, 1875, p. 374.) Mr. Calvin Rawson says: ‘In one nest of Red-tailed Hawks I have seen portions of nine red squirrels, and from another have counted out on the ground seven entire bodies. A game bird or chicken now and then, but red squirrels for everyday bill of fare.” (Ornithologist and Oologist, vol. v111, 1883, p. 17.) Of 173 stomachs of this Hawk examined by Dr. B. H. Warren, 131 contained the remains of mice; 6, rabbits; 3, red squirrels; 2, skunks; 18, small birds; 14, poultry; 3, insects; 3, snakes; and 4, offal or carrion. He says: “I have repeatedly found three and four mice in the viscera of one bird, oftentimes five, and in a few instances as many as seven of these destructive little rodents were obtained from the crop and stomach of one hawk.” (Birds of Pennsylvania, 1888, p. 86.) 7626—No. 3——4 50 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES, Of 562 stomachs examined by the author, 54 contained poultry or game birds; 51, other birds; 278, mice; 131, other mammals; 37, ba- trachians and reptiles; 47, insects; 8, crawfish; 13, offal; and 89 were empty. It has been demonstrated by careful stomach examination that poultry and game birds do not constitute more than 10 per cent of the food of this Hawk, and that all the other beneficial animals preyed upon, including snakes, will not increase this proportion to 15 percent. Thus the balance in favor of the Hawk is at least 85 per cent, made up largely of various species of injurious rodents—a fact that every thoughtful farmer should remember. It is not to be denied that a good deal of poultry is destroyed by this Hawk, but the damage done is usually among the less vigorous fowls in the late fall, and in view of the great number of injurious rodents as well as other noxious animals which this Hawk destroys it should seem equivalent to a misdemeanor to kill one, except in the act of carrying off poultry. The fact that there are robbers among Hawks is no sound argument for exterminating any and every one. The following species of mammals and birds were positively identi- fied among the stomach contents: MAMMALS. Sciurus aberti. Sciurus carolinensis. Sciurus c. leucotia. Sciurus arizonensis. Sciurus hudsonicus. Tamias striatus. Tamias quadrivittatus. Spermophilus lateralis. Spermophilus grammurus. Spermophilus franklint. Spermophilus tridecemlineatua, Reithrodontomys humilis. Mus decumanus. Mus musculus. Sitomys americanus. Sitomys sonoriensis. Neotoma mexicana. Arvicola riparius. Arvicola pinetorum. Synaptomys coopert. Sigmodon hispidus. Zapus hudsonius. Erethizon dorsatus. Lepus texianus. Lepus sylvaticus. Lepus 8, arizona. Lepus 8. nuttalli. Thomomys. Perodipus ordii. Mephitis mephitica. Sorex. Blarina brevicauda. Blarina b. carolinensis. Blarina exilipes. Scalops aquaticus. BIRDS. Dafila acuta. Rallus elegans. Colinus virginianus. Callipepla gambeli. Bonasa umbellus. Zenaidura macroura, Megascops asio. Melanerpes erythrocephalus. Otocoris alpestris. Corvus americanus. Sturnella magna. Icterus spurius. Quiscalus quiscula. Poocetus gramineus. Ammodramus 8. passerinus, Spizella monticola. Junco hyemalis. Melospiza fasciata. Merula migratoria. Sialia sialis. Like many other Hawks, the Red-tail seems to delight in circling high among the clouds, where it is barely visible from the ground or even RED-TAILED HAWK. 51 may pass from sight in the clear space above. While thus soaring, as at other times, it utters its penetrating but not unpleasant note. On account of its usually sluggish flight it is unfitted to capture active prey, in mostcases descending on it from a perch and rarely darting after it while on the wing, as is the habit of the Falcons and members of the Goshawk group. When other individuals are near, or in captivity when persons are present, it has the habit of covering its food from sight by spreading its tail and dropping the wings, and while feeding it reaches well back under the canopy thus formed, making it difficult to deter- mine the character of the quarry. In the East, continued persecution has made the Red-tail wary and very difficult to approach except on horseback. In parts of the West, however, where these birds are unmolested, their disposition is quite different, and they are comparatively tame. Mr. H. W. Henshaw, speaking of them at Mount Graham, Arizona, in October, says: “Walking quietly along, there was no difficulty in approaching with- in a few yards of the tree where one chanced to perch. One individ- ual which I scared from its perch by throwing a stone took a few broad circles about me, as though wondering what it meant, and then quietly returned to his former stand.” (Explor. West of the 100th Merid., Wheeler, vol. v, 1875, p. 424.) Like other birds of prey, the Red-tail, when taken young, soon becomes reconciled to captivity and makes a gentle and interesting pet. Its fondness for water is shown by the avidity with which it both bathes and drinks in the cage, as well as when free. During migrations this Hawk often travels in large flocks and gen- erally at a great elevation. Immense numbers pass over certain sec- tions, which seems to be in the line of its flight. In the Hudson River valley, late in September a number of years ago, the writer observed a flock containing sixty-five individuals flying in a comparatively com- pact body, probably not more than a few feet from each other. Mr. William Perham, of Tyngsboro, Mass., captured about 300 of these birds during two weeks in April, 1878 (Maynard, Birds of Eastern North America, p. 310). In winter a few hardy individuals may occasionally be found north of latitude 42°, but the great majority pass south and spread over the country even into Florida. In suitable localities, where extensive meadows and stubble fields harbor myriads of mice, these Hawks congregate in considerable numbers, as shown by the fact that about 175 specimens have been sent to the Department of Agriculture by Messrs. Miller and Leizear from a single locality in Montgomery County, Md., during the past few winters. The mcrease of any animal is always followed by a relative increase of its natural enemies. This is clearly shown on the river front in the vicinity of Washington, D. C., where the recent improvements have re- deemed several hundred acres of ground from the tidal flats; and already in many places rauk vegetation has grown up, affording shelter and sus- 52 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. tenance for hordes of mice. At present in winter and early spring it is not uncommon to see ten or fifteen Red-tailed Hawks in different parts of this flat attracted hither by the abundance of their natural food. Prior to the reclamation of the flats not more than a pair or two were to be seen in the same neighborhood during the winter. The Red-tailed Hawk proper inhabits eastern North America west to the Great Plains, north at least to latitude 60°, and south to eastern Mexico, and probably breeds throughout most of this range, though more commonly north of the parallel of 40°. In the West it is sepa- rated into the three following geographical races, so that as a species its range covers the whole United States: The Western Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis calurus) inhabits the country west of the Rocky Mountains, as well as portions of Mexico. Krider’s Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis kriderii) is found in the Great Plains from Minnesota to Texas, and extends east casually to Illinois. Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis harlant), which until re- cently was considered a good species, dwells in the lower Mississippi Valley and Gulf States, east to Georgia, and extends casually to Iowa, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Two other races occur in North America south of the Mexican frontier, one (Buteo borealis lucasanus) on the peninsula of Lower California, and the other (Buteo borealis costaricensis) in Central America, DESCRIPTION. Adult—Upper surface of tail deep rusty rufous with usually a black subterminal band; above blackish brown, variegated with gray ful- vous and whitish; below white with more or less buffy, belly streaked with dusky or brown. Immature—Tail bright gray without any shade of red, and crossed by six to ten regular dark bands. A pronounced blackish zone across the upper part of the belly. In Harlan’s Hawk the tail is mottled with rusty, white, gray, and dusky; the rest of the plumage may vary from that of the typical red tail to nearly black. The Western Red-tail varies from a light extreme much like the typi- cal Red-tail to a uniform dark, sooty brown; and the tail usually has more than one dark band. : Krider’s Hawk is light-colored with much white on upper parts and entirely white or pale buff on lower parts. Length: 19 to 25 inches (482 to 635™™); extent, 49 to 58 inches (1245 to 1475™™); wing, 13.50 to 17.75 inches (342 to 451™); tail, 8.50 to 10.50 inches (216 to 267™), RED-TAILED HAWK. 53 Table showing the results of cxaminations of 562 stomachs of the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis). Poultry , Locality. Dato. 7 ena Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds Taunton, Mass .......-| Nov. 18, 1885 |.....----- Weathers se 0.cs00|s02eeccscedavccses P Portland, Conn.......-. Rept. 4, 1886 cine dacandlawncnnand nie giaene SVeRRegeemereemnse 2 adders, ribbon snake, toad, padauenvsonsowice : Nov. 25, 1885 Alfred Center, N.Y ...| Aug. 28, 1886 Grasshoppers. Do's oise cece eeecane Oct. 25, 1886 Peterboro, N. ¥ .. -|JSuly 5, 1886 2 Oneida Lake, N. ¥ Aug. 30, 1886 |. Teed squirrel .... Morrisville, N. Y..- Sept. 27, 1886 |. Meadow mouse . Chester County, Pa May 15, 1886 Grubs. DO ssesucesszs Mar. 10, 1886 Birmingham, Pa.. Mar. 15, 1886 Portland, Conn -| July 25, 1886 Empty: Chickamau; a Tenn ..-| Feb. 13, 1886 |-- Offal. Lockport, N. ¥ -.-.... July 13, 1886 Load, 2 beetles. eae Suto County, | Feb. 16, 1887 Whitewater, Wis....-. Ata. 17 TBR) ac ciaein eid eis cicada a teaicia se selsie's Meadow mouse -| 13 grasshoppers, Washington, D.C Middletown, Conn .... Portland, Conn Gainesville, Va Howard County, Md .. Washington, D. C Do Do Lewis County, N. Y.- qorvang, Conn. -. Tro: Deviis 1 Lake, N. Dak... East Hartford, Conn .. -| Dec. 29, 1886 |. z Feb. 18, 1885 -| Mar. 2, 1887 May 4,1887 Nov. 20, 1886 |. Jan. 2, 1888 |. Noy. 3, 1887 |. Dec. 29, 1887 }.. Jan. 20, 1888 Apr. 13, 1885 -| Aug. 3, 1876 -| Aug. 11, 1887 Sept. 14, 1885 8, 1887 Jan. .| Meadow mouse - .| 2 house mice. ... : “Gray gopher, .| 3 meadow mice. . Pine mouse, meadow mouse. Mouse .......... Gray squirrel... House mouse, 3 meadow mice. 4 meadow mice, 2 white-footed mice, shrew. 2 shrews..-...-- striped gopher. Pine mouse, shrew. 2 meadow mice. . Meadow mouse, w hite-footed mouse, shrew. 4 house mice, 1 meadow mouse. 3 house mice, 1 meadow mouse, shrew. 3 meadow mice, 3 shrews. 1house mouse, 2 pine mice, 2 meadow mice, 1 shrew. 1 pine mouse, 2 meadow mice. Meadow mouse - ---da --do.. --d0.. -do “Meadow mouse - Pine mouse, meadow mouse. Shrew Meadow mouse, 2 house mice. 1meadow mouse, 5 crickets, 1 beetle, 1 craw- fish. Large adder. 5 grasshoppers. Empty. Garter snake. Empty. Frogs, 10 large grasshoppers. 2 frogs, potato beetle, Empty. Do. Larva. Do 1house mouse. 54 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. Table showing the results of examinations of 562 stomachs of the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis)—Continued. Poultry Locality. Date. or game Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds Mam. 2; 1887 jesessecsesliecsaxweswnses ---.| 2 meadow mice, ‘ gray squirrel. a Meadow mouse . ee Shrew 21h® csassedleseesadesi|ierenneseseaawsese|aceeecusee Empty. a 5 meadow mice . - “Bluebird...-.-.. Meadow monse . Sates Tree sparrow...|--.---------..---- Grasshopper. -ehOO on ennie|sedtiete eck lekewetaakeracemeet: Mente mouse . ‘iar, 5, 1887 2 song sparrows.|-..-d0 ...-----... Sed O scivigurertall vais anisincete| See seecmuresieneres tieadow mouse, white-footed mouse, mole. -| Song sparrow Rabbit.......-- -| Feathers. zl peisieteceaiesaeis aeetciceseses eee Empty. -| Feb. 11, 1887 Mar. 12, 1887 Mar. 18, 1887 Mar. 24, 1887 re 1, 1887 Apr. 25, 1887 Apr. 28, 1887 Nov. 14, 1887 -do ‘Nov. 27, 1887 baa 12; 1887 Dec. 24.1887 -| Dee. 26, 1887 --+-do Dec, 29; 1886 Feb. 16,1887 Dec. 11, 1886 Dec., 1886 Do .....cceneneeoas 200 orceeee Gray squirrel... Meadow mouse, Ww mice, rabbit. Meadow mouse - ie each) sceere winere area chipmunk. -| Meadow mouse - -| 3 meadow mice - Meadow mice... Meadow mouse, gray squirrel. -| House mouse .. - 2 meadow mice - meadow mouse, 3 shrews. Meadow mouse - Song sparrow... Meadow mouse . -| House mouse .. - : Gray squirrel... -|, House mouse --. Meadow mouse - .| 2 meadow mice . -| Meadow mouse . -| 3 meadow mice - 2 house mice.... House mouse, meadow mouse. 2 meadow mice . 2 wood frogs. Empty. Crawfish. Tnsect remains. Enpty. = Do. Do. Do. Do. RED-TAILED HAWK. 55 Table showing the results of examinations of 562 stomachs of the Red-lailed Hawk (Buteo borealis)—Continued. Feb., 1887 |. “Meadow mouse . 2 meadow mice, white-footed monse. -| Meadow mouse . -do 6 meadow mice. Meadow mouse, | shrew. Poultry Locality. Date. or came Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds. Chester County, Pa... -. one .| Song sparrow... mere mouse..... Do By eee (eee bales syssarupanaiis |loeteva arevarec ae SSeeiniarais Se Se Deas 3 -| Feb. 16,1887 | Fowl . =|D00;; L886) a5 210 ais. sl bcmeinsicrcrstccnaeisicinis Meadow mouse, 2 house mice. Dee. 11, 1886 7 house mice... . -| Dec ee --| Empty. -| Apr. --| Mouse. . -| Beetles. .| Dec ‘| 4 meadow mice . -| Nov. wes eicramtes secre eat Empty. olbaasdl --| Meadow mouse . Siuend .-| 2 meadow mice . --.do. -| 8 meadow mice . -do -| 2 meadow mice . Dec. a 1886 1 meadow mouse ee Meadow mice, rabbit. 3 Os cerctsiats .| 5 meadow mice . ‘Jan. 15, 1887 te Nov., 1886 F meadow mouse. 3 meadow mice - 2 meadow mice, mole. Meadow mouse, rabbit, shrew. Meadow mouse, red squirrel. 3 meadow mice - 3 meadow mice, red squirrel. -| 4 meadow mice - 1 meadow mouse -| 3 meadow mice - Red squirrel - . .. .| Grasshopper. House mouse ... Meadow mouse, white-footed mouse. Meadow mouse . ‘ sta -| 6 meadow mice. . ‘Dec. “31, 1886 |. Mouse........-. -| Jan. 1,1887].. .| White-footed mouse, shrew. -| Jan. 38,1887 Meadow mouse . Do .-- -|Jan. 7,1887|.. Mouse .......... J Jan., 1887].. --| Meadow mouse - <0 weaciees|-< .| 2 meadow mice..| Frog. eer .| 2 meadow mice, shrew. DO: csaasmacsencesce|s se ---| Lmeadow mouse. Do do -| Meadow mouse. . Do. do 2 Do 2300 eeseees Do. Jan. 18, 1887 Do Jan. 17,1887 House mouse ... Do Jan. 29) 1887 5 meadow mice. . Do -| Nov., 1886 --| Mouse .......... Do. -| Dec., 1886 .| Red squirrel... WO! s 32 cescesesieeese Nov., 1886 Meadow mouse; red squirrel. Meadow mouse . .| Empty. 56 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. Table showing the results of examinations of 562 stomachs of the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis) —Continued. Willistown, Pa.-...... ‘West Bradford, Pa tip pee Pa... Willistown, Pa.......-. Birmingham, Pa Delaware County, Pa.. Jan. 2,1880 .| Nov. 27, 1880 -| Mar. 27,1880 .| Mar. 22, 1880 Mar. 20, 1880 Feb. 23, 1880 rein *%6, 1880 |.. Seuaisaimew aes ees ere MO wee cecweecs. Poultry Locality. Date. ee am Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds Chester Contig, Pa..5.§ Fels, ISBT beassasaaseleexdtenscaacsmeren 3 meadow mice, 2 house mice. Sidtetcleibloncsaayeraidcasvodete Offal. Shrew ....---..- Meadow mouse . 2 meadow mice. . -| 7 meadow mice. . setae -| Grasshoppers. Do Williamstown, P: Westtown, Pa. Pocopson, Pa.. Willistown, Pa Jai a ‘West Bradford, Pa....| Jan. 13, 1879 Boney Pais ie cence eacjaciciciel Seen sais PBs sscieieiacic, Hee Jan. a TBF 9H onc ti- OO acs.n | ie ccccorass ws.ccvemyenvani| sisi Ome cecie accveia| = ore AO yenisiars cs Willistown, Pa Jan. “2, 1879 D0issasecgcec aed Ovevcateaen .| Insects. East Bradford. War. 24, 1879 Do. DO cicreiararsteaienpsliecrers Dec. 25,1884 Chester County, Feb. 15, 1878 Binning bam, Dec. 31, 1884 | Poultry:s|: : se-ec0c8 ss p2 seu|ecece sees WA stow, Paecsceisicie J a 6, 1885 pS esas aeesmiein wate | se 0 vteeaes East Bradford, Pa.....|----do -.-...- : Chester County, Pa.. Van, 5 ARBL || co.cc ctcciaisit| secmetaceccnciacwicc eemesteanis .| Grasshoppers. Willistown, Pa........| Feb. 15, 1878 |. DOs esse 5% -| Oct., 1876 |. East Bradford, Pa. Aug. 15, 1876 beens ceoumualscues cere Willistown, Pa. . .| Apr. 8,1877| Poultry.|........ DO: vim siansee tetera Hi (oes U9; BBS | oc cine ccnincellsaeeainislaescinwisinseee: MOORE hair ..-.. Dota seidarerneteiscrenaicis £00) oraaseiare:4| wala: seus DO escecieswareesiz: Mar, es 1890 DO seayscseraseoess =ee200 vex: Do : Bellefontaine, Ohio .... .| Nov, 30, 1887 -| Dee. 14, 1887 |..-d ‘| Mar. 1,1888 -| Mar. 7, 1888 -| Nov. 3, 1888 .| Dec. 12, 1889 .| Jan., -do ‘Nov. 23, 1878 Oct. 25,1884 Oct. 9,185 Oct. 3, 1886 Oct. 28, 1887 |. Oct. 29,1887 Nov. 8, 1879 Nov. 3, 1884 Dec. 14, 1889 Dec. 27, 1889 .| Apr. 38,1890 July 6, 1889 Oct. 20/1888 |. 1889 |. . Meadow mice White-footed mouse, 1 mead- ow mouse. Red squirrel... Meadow mice... 3 meadow mice . 2short-tailed shrews; 2 meadow mice. Harvest mouse. . Short-tailed shrew. 2 meadow mice.. Cotton rat,2 white - footed mice. 1 short-tailed shrew, 2 meadow mice. Short-tailed shrew. Meadow mouse, pine mouse. Rabbit 2 short- tailed shrews, 1 Cooper’s mouse, 1 pine mouse, 2 meadow mice.. 2 meadow mice, 2 shrews. 2 meadow mice, . Garter snake. Frogs. 35 grasshoppers. : Grasshoppers, Cricket. -| Frog. Grasshoppers, garter snake. i Empty. Do, -| Frog, grasshop- pers, crickets, other insecis. Frogs, grasshop- pers. 2 grasshoppers. Empty. Offal. Empty. Toad. Empty. Snake, stag beetle, small beetles, craw- fish, two fly larve. 60 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. Table showing the results of examinations of 562 stomachs of -the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis)—Continued. Poultry Locality. Date. 7 game Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. Tas. Jan. oe 1890 Goat offal. vlsaeslO sveenialls Do. ‘Jan. “0, 1890 Do. Jan. 21, 1890 |. Do. ---G0 ..----- Do. sO ccecae --do .. Goat offal. = J: an. 19,1890 pear County, N. ¥ ..| Oct. 11, 1873 grouse. Highland Falls, N. Y-..) Apr. 1,1875 mp Putnam County, N. Y.| Apr. 5, 1879 0, Circleville, Ohio ....--. a 1, 1881 Do. Camp Verde, Ariz. ..-. pr. 10, 1884 Do. sea County, Ariz. Sep 25, 1884 Mogolloa Mountains, | Oct. 5,1884 Do. Ariz. Pine Springs, Ariz . ...| Nov. 17, 1884 ‘Wives Barracks, | Nov. 25, 1884 T1Z. Camp Verde, Ariz. ..-. Mar. 14, 1885 Do. Elle! fre ones Ariz.) Mar. 25, 1885 |. Fort Lowell, Ariz ..-.. Apr. 5, 1885 |. Do. Red Rock, Atriz....- 2. May 8, 1885 |. Small snakes. Yavapai County, Ariz.| May 19, 1885 |. Empty. rot Snow Ariz... -. Aug. 24, 1885 :| Arizona rabbit - ahesmemiiictecscts Aug. 25, 1885 |. -| Pocket gophers. Oak ¢ Oreck Ariz Yavapai County, Ariz. Camp Verde, Ariz aEe Upper Verde Valley, Ariz. Camp Verde, Ariz,.... -| Aug. 27, 1885 |. Sept. 13, 1885 10,1885 |. . 16,1885 |}. . 18, 1885 |. . 28, 1885 |. . 14,1886 |. . 9, 1886 . 12, 1886 ens i ‘Dec. 13, 1886 |. -| Dee. 27, 1886 |. 6. 1887 |. Jan. Jan. 6, 1887 Jan. 16,1887 Jan, 24,1887 Mar. Piss 1887 --do ‘Tune 12, 1887 June 13, 1887 :| July 15, 1887 |: July 17, 1887 Aug. 10, 1887 |. Oct. 25, 1887 |. 1, 1887 5, 1887 , 26, 1887 Dec. 8, 1887 Jan. 7,1888 Pintail.. besa mates Sanasivais ae: Pocket gopher. . rat. ‘| Abert’ ‘gsquirrel - .| Arizonasquirrel. Do. Diamond rattle snake. Striped snake. Empty. = Do. Do. = Do. Diamond rattle snake. Do. Do. Lizards. Satan snake. mapty. Bo. Do. Grasshoppers, bull snake. Empty. Frogs. RED-TAILED HAWK. 61 Table showing the resulis of examinations of 562 stomachs of the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis )—Continued. Locality. Date. Poultry or game birds. Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. Payson, Ariz.....-..-- Yavapai County, Ariz. . Vermillion, Clay County, S. Dak. He Biases Mills, Ontario... Keokuk, lowa...--. -. ie Sprin g, Md. San y rs n Dover, Spain i om Buitalo, N.Y .. Herrick, Pa ... Drewrys Bluff, Va. ‘Washington, DC. sendy Spring, Md. Lancaster county, Pa. a Conn . Do.....- Sandy Spring. Md. Fort Huachuca, Ariz.. Sandy Spring, Md -| Oct. Oct. 22,1890]... Feb. 10, 1888 May 8, 1888 Apr. 1,1890 al econo 6, 1890 May 8, 1884 Dec. 22,1889 -| Nov. 6, 1890 .|----do Oct. 4, 1890 Oct. 22,1890 -| Nov. 9, 1890 -do Novy. 13, 1890 Nov. 15, 1890 Nov. 17, 1890 -| Nov. 18, 1890 |. .| Nov. 20, 1890 |. « 1,1890 . 15, 1890 - 17, 1890 t. 22, 1890 2 dae, 2, 1891 |. Oct. 31, 1891 .| Nov. 12, 1891 -| Jan. 6, 1892 Apr. 30, 1892 Jan. 11, 189] do + 20, 1892 . 14, 1802 . 21, 1892 . 14, 1892 . 17, 1892 . 16, 1892 14, 1891 . 18) 1390 |". « 29, 1890 |. - 10,1891 |. . 2,1891|.. . 21,1891 |.. -| 2 meadow mice . Kangaroo rat... shrew. Meadow mouse, short-tailed shrew. House mouse .. - Meadow mouse - 3 juncos, 1 song sparrow. 2 song sparrows, 1 junco. “Ljunco, 1 song sparrow. 2 meadow mice, 1 jumping mouse. a shrew. -| 1 small shrew, 1 meadow mouse. im ow mouse, 1 small short- tailed shrew. Chipmunk . -| Mouse hair ..... -| Pine mouse Rabbit. .. 1 house mouse, | 1_short-tailed shrew. 2 meadow mice, 1 white-footed mouse. Gray squirrel ... Mouse hair 2 meadow mice... 1 meadow mouse, gray squirrel. lrat, 1 house mouse, 2mead- ow mice, Small striped snake. Empty. 8 grasshoppers. Larva. Empty. -| Wood frog, spi- der, grasshop- per, snake. Empty. Grasshopper. Empty. Do. Toad. Emp ty. 2 2 gens hopnera, AOR 5 grasshoppers. Frog. ‘ Timp: 0. Do. 1 striped snake, 5 centipeds. Empty. Do, Do. 62 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. Table showing the results of examinations of 562 stomachs of the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis )—Continued. Poultry Locality. Date. oe mene Other birds, Mammals, Miscellaneous, irds. . 26,1891 |-. House mouse ... . 12,1891 |. . --| 2 meadow mice . . 26,1891 |. - --| 3 meadow mice . i Qi AGOL lexenessneg|secees eeecbwstevess| swcesereeees sess Empty. DDO ro oie cia aeiciaiete DEG; V3), 1890) | aie ninctsieseinielleve viciaiei n/a ani 3 meadow mice -. Panamint Mts., Cal ...| Jume 23, 1891 |...---....|. 222-2 eee ee eee Pouched gopher.| 2 lizards, 5 grass- hoppers, 1 mole cricket. Walker Pass, Cal.....- DAY: BYLBOL | acc caisets| omicic ais seaieaniarls fen cceecetemcsicas Empty. SumMMARY.—Of 562 stomachs examined, 54 contained poultry or game birds; 51, other birds; 278, mice; 131, other mammals; 37, batrachiaus or reptiles; 47, insects; 8, crawfish; 1, centipeds; 13, offal; and 89 were empty. y RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. Buteo lineatus. [Plate 8—Adult.] The Red-shouldered Hawk inhabits eastern North America from Nova Scotia and Manitoba ranging south to the Gulf of Mexico and west to the Great Plains. A dark race (Buteo lineatus elegans) inhabits the Pacific slope, north to southern Oregon. A small race (Buteo lineatus alleni) occurs from Florida to Texas, and extends south into Mexico. It is well to state here that, although the Texas and Mexican specimens are of the same size as typical Florida examples, they are much darker, owing to the increase of the rufous pigment in the plumage, thus approaching the elegans type in colora- tion. It will be seen from the above outline of its distribution that a con- siderable portion of the dry interior of the United States, including the Great Plains region, is without a representative of this species. The diet of the Red-shouldered Hawk is probably more varied than that of most other birds of prey. For example, the writer has found in the stomachs of. the different individuals which have come under his notice the remains of mammals, birds, snakes, frogs, fish, insects, cen- tipeds, spiders, crawfish, earthworms, and snails, which represent eleven classes of animal life. This Hawk is very fond of frogs, and, although these batrachians are mentioned by Audubon and other writers as forming a very considerable portion of their sustenance, yet mice furnish fully 65 per cent of their food. Besides this very in- jurious group of rodents, other small mammals, such as squirrels, young rabbits, shrews, and moles, are taken. Some authors have stated that Hawks commonly commence on their prey by eating the entrails. The tame Hawk elsewhere mentioned, and others that have come under the writer’s observation, invariably No.3. Div. Ornitholasy Bull. No.3. Div Ornithology Plate E(B as lets (a HAWK Buteo lincatus (Gmel) Vode catary Ueiees = Taeichiseyra) Vf es y @ eer OE ey ee RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. 63 ate the eyes and brains first, even when the animal’s abdominal cavity was opened, and in most cases discarded the stomach and large intes- tines altogether. ee Some authors iusist that the Red-shouldered Hawk is destructive to poultry, but the writer in all his field experience has never seen one attack a fowl, nor has he found the remains of one in the stomachs of those examined. In making this statement, he does not include poul- try which is eaten in the form of offal, for in severe weather when the ground is covered with snow and when food is scarce, the Red-shoul- dered Hawk will devour dead chickens which have been thrown out from the yard, as well as other refuse found on the compost heaps or in the vicinity of slanghterhouses. At such times the writer has often captured specimens of this Hawk, as well as of crows, blue jays, red and flying squirrels, in steel traps set near a piece of chicken, rabbit, or beef fastened in a tree. In a communication received by the U. 8. Department of Agricul- ture from Mr. J. Alden Loring, of Owego, Tioga County, N. Y., in September, 1889, he gives the following testimony in reference to this bird: “The pair reared their young for two years in a small swampy piece of woods about 50 rods from a poultry farm containing 800 young chickens and 400 ducks, and the keeper told me he had never seen the hawks attempt to catch one.” It is extremely improbable that this slow-flying Hawk often captures birds, except such as are disabled. Frogs are eagerly sought after. The tame Hawk mentioned below always took them in preference to anything else except a live mouse. Toads also furnish food for it, especially in the spring, when they are in the water spawning. Small and medium sized snakes are often found among the stomach contents, and occasionally the Hawk is seen flying with one of these reptiles dangling from the talons. Dr. C. Hart Merriam says: “I once took from the stomach of one of these hawks a snake (Hutainia saurita) measuring 22 inches in length.” (Birds of Connecticut, 1877, p.86.) Crawfish, in sections of the country where they abound, are often taken by this Hawk, as by most of the other Buteos, Maynard, after telling how this Hawk has learned to visit the poul- try yard, states: “In Florida I found them feeding upon small mam- mals, reptiles, crabs, and other crustaceans.” (Birds Eastern N. An., p. 312.) Among the insects which are destroyed in considerable numbers by this bird, may be mentioned grasshoppers, crickets, and various kinds of beetles and caterpillars. Even in December and early Jan- uary, when apparently all insect life is in a dormant state, specimens of the Red-shouldered Hawk are found whose stomachs are filled with one or more species of these insects. Mr. Benjamin Mortimer, whose observations were made in Florida, makes the following statement as to its food: “ This is the most trouble- some of the hawks among young chickens in Orange County. The 64 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. numerous bay-tree swamps are its favorite residence, as they serve as a safe stronghold, and also harbor myriads of cotton rats, which are a favorite prey with it. It would appear that this Hawk is not in the habit of molesting the common small birds, as I have observed num- bers of Blackbirds fly into the same tree with one, neither party pay- ing any attention to the other. The bold little Sparrow Hawk has no difficulty in driving this larger species, and I have seen a pair of Quail rout a Red-shoulder that had made a sally upon their brood.” (Auk, vol. VII, 1890, No. 4, p. 339.) The following is a summary of Dr. B. H. Warren’s investigations: “In my examinations of fifty-seven of these Hawks which have been captured in Pennsylvania, forty-three showed field mice, some few other small quadrupeds, grasshoppers, and insects, mostly beetles; nine revealed frogs and insects; two, small birds, remains of small mammals, and a few beetles; two, snakes and portions of frogs. The gizzard of one bird contained a few hairs of a field mouse and some long black hairs which appeared very much like that of a skunk. The bird on dissection gave a very decided odor of polecat. In two of these Hawks, shot in Florida, I found in one portions of a small catfish, and in the other remains of a small mammal and some few coleopterous insects.” (Birds of Pennsylvania, 1888, p. 89.) To sum up, the food of this Hawk consists of at least 65 per cent of small rodents, which are very injurious to the farmer, and less than 2 per cent of poultry. It seems hardly necessary to more than mention this fact to intelligent persons to convince them of the folly and short- sightedness of destroying this valuable bird, and of the necessity of fostering and protecting it in the farm lands and orchards. The following species of mammals and birds were positively identi- fied among the stomach contents: MAMMALS. BIRDS. Blarina brevicauda. Porzana carolina. Blarina b. carolinensis. Colinus virginianus, Blarina exilipes. Zenaidura macroura. Evotomys gapperi. Megascops asio. Arvicola riparius. Colaptes auratus. Arvicola pinetorum. Corvus americanus, Mus musculus. Sturnella magna. Sitomys americanus. Ammodramus 8. savanna, Didelphis. virginianus. Spizella pusilla. Lepus sylvaticus. Junco hyemalis. Scalops aquaticus. Melospiza fasciata. Tamias striatus. Passerella iliaca. Sciurus hudsonicus. Passer domesticus. Sorex. Merula migratoria, Fiber zibethicus. Mephitis mephitica, The species seems to be rather more hardy than the Red-tail; at least it winters a little farther north, being found more or less commonly as RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. 65 far as parallel 43° at that season. According to Mr. McI]wraith it is not found in Ontario inwinter. It breeds throughout the entirerange. From New England southward it is the most abundant breeder of any of the rapacious birds, and in Connecticutand the southern portions of New York it is safe to say that its nests outnumber those of all the other birds of prey combined. Usually by the middle of March it begins to build its nest, there being very little difference in the time of commencing between New England and Texas, though Maynard tells us that in Florida it has eggs in February. It breeds a trifle later than the Red-tail, so full com- plements of eggs are found usually from the middle of April to the first of May. Most collectors give three eggs as the average number for a set, though the writer, from his somewhat limited observations in south- ern New York, does not remember ever finding less than four, and five was not anuncommon number. Dr. William Wood mentions a set con- taining six. Incubation, as with most of the other Hawks, occupies less than twenty-eight days. The nest closely resembles that of the crow, except that it is larger and lacks the compact and neat appearance common to the nest of the latter bird. It is composed of coarse sticks loosely placed together with finer ones toward the central cavity, which is lined with the bark of the grape vine and other fibers, or, in some cases, with pieces of the rough outer bark of the oak and hickory, and not uncommonly, as with many of the otier birds of prey, green twigs with the leaves attached are used. Bottom lands grown up with large deciduous trees, or the neighboring hillsides, are the favorite nesting sites of this bird. The nest is placed in one of the larger trees, 40 to 80 feet from the ground, and usually in the fork where the main branches diverge from the trunk. A pair will inhabit the same locality for years, and often occupy a nest for several seasons, The male assists in building and incubating as well as in feeding the young, and, in cases where the female is killed, will rear the brood alone. It is stated that this species remains mated through life, and that even during the winter months mates appear very much attached to each other, differing in this respect from the Red-tail. Except during the breeding season, when it is confined mostly to the woods, the Red-shouldered Hawk frequents the low lands bordering streams and marshes, and in the winter months one or more are likely to be found where open springs exist, watching for frogs, their favorite food. Apparently it is less shy than the Red-tail; nevertheless, under ordi- nary circumstances it will not allow a man on foot to approach within gun range. Like other Hawks, it shows no fear for one on horseback or in a wagon, and in this way can be easily approached. This Hawk, like most other birds of prey, makes a very interesting pet, and on account of its varied food is easy to keep. The writer once reared, and kept for a year or more, one which was taken from a nest when only a few days old. It finally had to be killed because of its 7626—No, 3——5 66 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. fierceness towards strangers, although it was never vicious towards its owner. When no other person was present it would alight on its owner’s shoulder and show signs of contentment and pleasure by utter- ing a low musical note and by caresses, which consisted in gently pass- ing his ear or a lock of hair between its bill very much as it did its own feathers in the act of pluming itself. The flight of this Hawk, especially that of the immature birds, is heavy in character and suggests that of the owls. DESCRIPTION. Outer web of outer wing feathers distinctly spotted with white, buffy, or yellowish. Shoulders always more or less rusty. Adult.—Head, neck, and lower parts more or less rusty or cinnamon, transversely spotted or barred with whitish; tail black, crossed by about six bands of white. Above reddish brown, the center of the feathers darker than the edges. Immature.—Lower parts dull whitish, longitudinally spotted or streaked with dark brown; tail dusky, crossed by numerous narrow bands of dull buffy or grayish brown. Length: 17.50 to 22 inches (445 to 559™™); extent, 39 to 44 inches (990 to 1117™"); wing, 11.25 to 14.25 inches (285 to 3620) tail, 8 to 10 inches (203 to 254™™), Table showing the results of examinations of 220 stomachs of the Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus). Poultry Locality. Date. ge same Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. 1Tds. Sing Sing, N. Y....... Oct. 3,1885].......... PLICKOP osscctss oj) den soenemies Seaee Toad, snake, cricket, larva. Alfred Center, N. Y....| Sept. 11, 1885 |. . Grasshopper, larva, spider. DOs sense waeescoses Sept. 13, 1886 -| Grasshoppers, spider. Sept. 12, 1886 -| Grasshoppers. Frogs, beetles. ‘| Red-backed mouse, 3 < beet 25, 1886 }.. shrews. DOs sacecsesassexines JUNC 28, 1886). 2 cc ceceicc|esccsccceceeseeecs Meadow mouse, | Beetles, craw- [ 3 shrews. fish, spider. Do xara MO iivwe acces gerjea arsine 385 -| 1 shrew.......-- Dos tenes Tuly 28, 1886 ....| Iusects. Oneida Lake, N. Au, .30, 1886 Squash bug. Morrisville, N.Y .| Sept. 6 1886 ae ee aaa 10 grasshoppers. 1 shrew. -| Feathers. . Birmingham, Pa......- Mar. 15, 1886 |. . Chester County, Pa....| Jan. 3, 1886 Cricket, larva, 2 spiders. East Hartford, Conn...) Dec. 14, 1886 Frog. Gainesville, Tila... Feb. 28, 1887 }.. 0. DO i seissawesssxe orden Mar. 17, 1887 ae dragon 18. DO stisweeesat scicics Apr. 7,1887 Lizard, 2 crick- beetles. Snake, insects, earth worm. -| Grasshopper, crickets. Garter snake, bull-frog. DDO sesacmaiciare versace -.| Apr. 11, 1887 Greensboro, Ala..-.... Nov. 19, 1887 |. . East Hartford, Coun...) Apr. 5, 1887 ets, larva of RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. 67 Table showing the results of cxaminations of 220 stomachs of the Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)—Continued. Poultry Locality. Date. cs Other birds. Mammals. Miscellancous. rds. East Hartford, Conn...| July 5, 1887 |...---.-.-|---eeeeeeereneeeee Meadow mouse -| B ie tl et wasp, Portland, Conn Washington, D.C Do.. -| Feb. Oct. 29, 1887 Dec. 24, 1887 Jan. 22,1888 Feb. 16, 1888 -| Aug. 24, 1876 -| Apr. 8, 1880 |. . ay 6, 1880 |.. -| Sept. 19, 1882 |. - 2, 1884 |. Feb. 14, 1885 Apr. 2, 1885 Portland, Cown.....--. Oct. 18, 1886 East Hartford, Conn. ..| Oct. 29, 1886 . Sandy Spring, Md..... Jan. 8, 1887 DO sesivsivinaascn ae ercsiel's wc Oia eaves DO gees desrejaigigtieaisicce Jan. 28, 1887 Dovisscevccseuscnns Feb. 11, 1887 Pen ss a West Chester, Pa.. West Pikeland, Pa.. bis oes Pa Volusia County, Fla.- St. Johns River, Fla . Milltown, Pa Thornburg, Pre ceca ations PPB ie seemrtias \ Deo.” .| Feb., Mar. 8,1887° sees 5 -- “Mar. ot 1887 |. Nov. 26, 1887 |.... lO acecar "|... do ‘| Dee. 18, 1886 Dec. 20, 1886 Jan. 18, 1887 Feb, 20, 1881 Mar. 3,1881 Dec. 20, 1879 Dee 9, 1879 « 28,1879 . 20, 1879 oe 9, 1887 |. . ...| Dec. 27, 1887 |. -| Jan. 30, 1888 |. ll Field Sparrow .. Carolina dove... .| 2 shrews 3 ses ie mouse . -| 5 meadow mice. . «|.---do “Meadow mouse, House mouse, 2 meadow mice. Meadow mouse, shrew. Mouse Meadow mouse, shrew, Honse mouse ... 2 house mice, white - footed mouse, 1 mead- ow mouse. 4 meadow mice. . Pine mouse, meadow mouse, shrew. House mouse ... Mouse 2 meadow mice. . Meadow mouse . Meadow mouse . Pine mouse Meadow mouse . 4 meadow mnice. - 1 mole Meadow mouse - 2 meadow mice. . Opossum ... Mouse har rains mouse - ----do . Mouse --do . rabbit. Meadow mouse . --lo Meadow mouse . 3 meadow mice. . Frog’ A Tecnard frog Crawfish. Frog, grasshop- pers, Empty. Grasshoppérs, beetles. Grasshoppers. 2 toads, grass- hopper. Toad, larvee. salaman- der. Tree-frog, bee- tle, spider. Grasshoppers beetles, spider. Grasshopper. c Grasshopper. Insects. Crickets, larve. Larva, offal, Empty. : Grasshoppers. 0. ie Insects. Do. 68 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. Table showing the results of examinations of 220 stomachs of the Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)—Continued. Poultry Locality. Date. fame Other birds. Mammals Miscellaneous. irds. -| Jan. 27, 1879 |. -| Mice. .| Insects. Feb. 4, 1879}. --do - -|Feb., 1879}. -do . -| Feb., 1878 |. -do a. Apr. 3,1877]. -do Chester County, Pa .../ Nov. Seni Do, Pennsylvania ......... .| Mice Barton, N.¥ - -| 3 mice Eliniray Nie. sccsccs2 52 ams 21; 1886) Chie kens bcroxies eewcocncellieeeh sees Do... -| Field mice Do... -| Skunk... : Big Flats, N. Y Grasshoppers, beetles. Corning, N.Y .......-- Sept: 23,1887 | 2). scccseclecenecsecasee se acc Field mice...... Tnsects. Greeusboro, Ala......- Feb: 25; A888 ti scccu cena laeeacovemvewensced Mouse.......... Lizard, —_grass- hopper, cock- roach, 3 craw- fish. Sandy Spring, Md..... Mar. 17, 1888 Gainesville, Fla - -| Jan. 4,1888]... Spider. ® DOseenieeegecante. Jan. 18,1888 4 mole crickets, 20 larvee. East Hartford, Conn ..| Sept. 22,1887 |.........-1..cce eee cee nseene[ecee ceeeerenaceens 1 frog, 1 garter Sandy Spring, Ma Fairmout, W. Va Cobham, Va.......-.-- Do. Micco, Brevard Co., Hale County, Ala Great Neck, L.1.,N.Y. Hale County, Ala...... . 1,1887 . 10,1888 . 17,1888 . 19, 1888 1, 1888 5, 1888 - 11,1888 . 15, 1888 . 27, 1888 25, 1889 . 30, 1889 - 10, 1889 Aug. 19, 1889 Sept. 11, 1889 Sept. 10, 1889 Aug. 3, 1889 :. 21, 1888 |. . 21,1888)... . 22,1888 |... . 10, 1888 |... Chicken. -| 1 shrew. . Shrew Hair of small mammal. Meadow mouse - Shrew .| House mouse ... .| Pine mouse..... 1meadow mouse, 2 pine mice. Mouse Chipmunk, shrew. snake, 1 larva of elm sphinx, 1 larva purs- lane sphinx, 7 crickets, and other insects. Frog. Frog, lepidopte- rous larve. Frog. 1 grasshopper. Empt iy- 46 grasshoppers, oF ortekets, 40 beetles. 10 grasshoppers. 10 grasshoppers, 2 crickets, 4 beetles, 2 lepi- dopterous lar- VE. Grasshopper. 2 beetles, 6 sala- manders. White grub. 2 beetles. -| Empty. Grassho ppers, snake, turtle. ..| Green snake. .; Beetles. 20 ore a grasshoppers, ea 1 bee- tle, 3 lepidop- terous larve. l cicada, lcraw- fish, 1 lizard.- 2 katydids, bee- tles, 7 sphinx larve. Frog, 2 spiders, Bl Baty id, 6 grasshoppers, 10lepidopterous larvae, beetles. Frog, toad, bee- tles, and other insects RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. 69) Table showing the results of examinations of 220 stomachs of the Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)—Continued. Poultry Locality. Date. or game Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. < birds. Owego, Tioga County, | Sept. 24, 1889 |... 2... sf eee ee eee e eee eee Meadow mouse .| 1 tree toad, water N.Y. snake, 2 rib- bon snakes, Greensboro, Ala..-.-.- Do Kalamazoo, Mich Newtown, Coun ..- Morristown, N.J -- Schraalenburg, a Aen West laine Do... Adams, Ind .. Raleigh, N.C Troy, N. ee Count y N.Y. Saratoga County, N.Y. ones eee County, Hale County, Ala Ercildoun, Pa -| Dec. --| Mar. --| Sept. -| Sept. 21, 1887 Sept. 19, 1889 Sept. 28, 1889 -| Apr. 21, 1889 Nov. 23, 1889 Dec. 5, 1889 Dec. 8,1889 -| Dec, 18, 1889 |. . Oct. 26,1888 Apr. 17, 1886 May, 1882 “6 :| Sept: 14, 1884 |. - -| Sept. 22, 1885 |. . 4,1884 |. . -| Nov. 13, 1884 |. . 5, 1887 |... Sept. 1, 1885 Feb. Feb. 28, 1888 July 18, 1888 Aug. 7, 1888 Sept. 23, 1878 Dec, 12, 1878 .-| Aug. 20, 1887 |.. -| May 18, 1888 |. . Oct. 25, 1880 |. Nov. 29, 1880 |... Mar. 30, 1883 |. . Nov. 6, 1888 Nov. 5, 1888 May 6, 1889 Nov. 26, 1889 Dec. 27, 1889 --| Jan. 10,1890 LO: scscatzini sth Dec. 28, 1889 Feb. 17, 1889 Feb. 16, 1890 -| Feb. 21, 1890 |.. .--do 23, 1886 |. 1], 1886 |. 17, 1886 |. Junco, fox spar- row. : aan .-| Small mammal.. .| Meadow mouse - 3 short-tailed shrews. 1 pine mouse... - .| Meadow mouse . 3 katydids, 4 crickets, 16 grasshoppers. Sphinx larva. 30 crickets, 5 grasshoppers, 1 katydid, sphinx larva, lizard. Grasshopper. 3 grasshoppers. Ribbon snake, ring-necked snake, Striped snake. i -| Pickerel, snake, 2 frogs. Snake, toad. Beetles. Katydid, spider. ..| Grasshoppers. DS. PP Do. 1 toad, 1 spider, 1 mole-cricket, grasshoppers, beetle. Empty. Lizard, 2spiders. Jicada. 4 frogs, cicada, katydid, Tass- hoppers, le pi- dopterous lar- ve. Toad, frog, grass- hoppers. Frogs. -| Empty. 3 frogs. Fro oe 2 foe striped snake, grass- hoppers. Frogs, insects. 1Imantis, 1 grass- hopper. Larva. al cricket. Salamander, 4 larvee. 3 _ grasshoppers, lcricket. Offal, vegetable matter. 5 beetles. : ider. eetles, 1 grass- gone 1 spi- der, 1 larva. 10 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. Table showing the results of examinations of 220 slomachs of the Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)—Continued. Poultry Locality. Date. orate Other birds. Mammals Miscellaneous. 1Tds,. Greensboro, Ala ....--| Jan. 28,1890 |..........|.-- ja ba Sinai slo wsie-ctothall Misigfeiiaicion siefeginwic Lizard, turtle, : beetle, TABS- ! hopper, 1larva. Morristown, N. J ...-- WO. 40, 1800) ss ssiciere sdeltewincinseeaecestes Mouse hair ...-. Sandy Spring, Md....- Mari:21): 1890) | cenimreiereidlis-aeisiamnamsyeaierc.e cic Short-tailed | Beetle remains. Do Plover Mills, Onter Portland, Conn. . DO: xecccveeemeasend enn O? saiez ec. 5 DO) sci scsi sense cosie Oct. 8, 1890 DObeisteivisisieviedan vince Oct. 11,1890 , Geaioserste dajstcarhayltayad Oct. 21,1890 Nov. 9, 1890 |. Do acoinjeinigiel ata omesecta tae O iaicisimicyers DO ccepieneceweecnien Nov. 15, 1890 DO's be Daisiniscinias 2 Nov. 3, 1890 DOissscsceesecenese Noy. 14, 1890 |. Sandy Spring, Md ....| Dec. 1, 1890 |. Morristown, N. J DOwcaxcnpacaaceri: Sept. 20, 1890 Horse Hill, N. J ....-- Oct. 29, 1890 Morristown, N.J...-. Nov. 1,1890 Morris Plains, N. J....| Nov. 11, 1890 |. Do Nov. 15, 1890 |. Nov. 28, 1890 Jan. 1,1891! Jan. 10, 1891 | OO: s sec ie Ta an. 26,1891 !. Dee. 15, 1891 |. Mar. 15, 1892 ! Lancaster County, Pa .| Mar. 3, 1892 Farmington, Conn..... Oct. 5,1891 |. Portland, Conn Apr. 17, 1892 |. Sandy Spring, Mi Mar. 25, 1892 |. Do Ponca Agency, Okla- homa. .| Jan. - -do Tan. 22, 1892 Jan. 14,1891 -do “Mar. 2, 1892 Mar. 14, 1891 |.. Aug. 5, 1892 Sept. 24, 1890 |. .-| June 25, 1883 |. .-| Sept. 29, 1890 |. Nov, 13, 1890 |. do Sept. 11, 1890 |. a 30, 1892 |. . Jan 11, 1891 -.do .| Red squirrel shrew. shrew, 2 mead- ow mice. Meadow mouse, 3 short-tailed shrews. Shrew .- 1 short - tailed shrew. eel eit 9 house mice, 1 meadow mouse. Meadow mouse, muskrat, Short-tailed shrew. shrew. Meadow monse - eadow mouse, 2 small shrews. Meadow mouse - L Empty. Crawii Pickerel. Empty. 2 track small snake, cricket, grass- pper. 2 katydids, 10 tree frogs, -2dung beetles, 1 beetle, 2 red- backed sala- manders. 2 leopard frogs. ..| Tree frog. - Ants, other in- sects. .| 2 mole crickets, 25 grasshop- pers, 4 beetles. 2 grasshoppers, 1 spider. -| Grasshopper. -| Empty. -| 5 erickets, 2 dragon flies, 2 beetles.” Sphinx eetle. 1 garter snake. larva, 2 frogs. Frog. Empty. 1 spider, 1 craw- fish. 1 grasshopper, 1 trog. 1 frog. May Fuesile: _ Empty. Do. Do. Crawfish. 35 grasshoppers, 4 “cicadas, bee- tles. Summary.—Of 220 stomachs examined, 3 contained poultry; 12, other birds; 102, mice; 40, other mammals ; 20, reptiles; 39, batrachians; 92, insects; 16, spiders; 7, crawfish; 1, earthworms; 2, offal; 3 fish; and 14 were empty. ZONE-TAILED HAWK. 71 ZONE-TAILED HAWK. Buteo abbreviatus. The Zone-tailed Hawk ranges from southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas south to northern South America. The first speci- men taken within our limits was secured by Dr. J. G. Cooper 30 miles north of San Diego, Cal., Febrnary 28, 1862. Little has been written on the food habits of this Hawk. Dr. HE. A. Mearns, in his interesting paper on this species in central Arizona at the northern part of its distribution, gives the following: “I frequently observed them throughout the eutire year beside the Verde River, where they capture lizards, frogs, fishes, and other desirable articles of rap- torial diet.” (Auk, vol. 111, 1886, p. 66.) Mr. F. Stephens saw one hover over the water and attempt to catch small minnows. (Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club, vol. vit, 1883, p. 30.) It inhabits the country near the base of mountains in the vicinity of streams, and at no season is it found at a great distance from water. It breeds in suitable localities throughout its range. The nest is placed in a cottonwood or other suitable tree, usually in one of the main forks, from 20 to 50 feet from the ground, though sometimes it is saddled on a 7 limb some distance from the trunk. Like other large Hawks, it con- structs its nest of sticks, which are loosely put together, and adds a sparse lining of leaves, dry grass, or Spanish moss. The eggs are deposited early in May, and are usually two in number, though three are occasionally found. Both birds assist in incubation as well as in other duties connected with rearing their young. DESCRIPTION. Plumage uniform black or blackish-brown; tail black, crossed by three broad zones, which are ash-gray on outer webs and pure white on nner. Length: 18.50 to 21.50 inches (470 to 545™™); extent, 49.50 to 53.25 inches (1257 to 1352™"); wing, 15 to 17.40 inches (380 to 442™™); tail, 8.50 to 10.75 inches (216 to 273™), Table showing the results of examinations of 5 stomachs of the Zone-tailed Hawk ( Buteo abbreviatus ). Poultry : Locality. Date. a ane Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds. Frog, lizards. Frogs, lizards. ‘Tree loads, frog. DO isec.2 csiccerrtsicinte sine AguaFria, Ariz Camp Verde, Ariz Ewpty. Olas sieve a wcaaa al hows 1G ae winra(utealevaeiore cinyGG cl eee Vo etebiemeceenl Cad aeeced maw Hump-backed sucker. Summary.—Of 5 stomachs examined, 2 contained reptiles; 3, batrachians; 1, fish; and 1 was empty 72 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. WHITE-TAILED HAWK. Buteo albicaudatus. This Hawk inhabits the territory from eastern South America north to southern Texas. The first specimen taken within our limits was shot by Mr. G. B. Sennett near Corpus Christi, Tex., March 27, 1878, since which time it has been found not uncommon in the lower Rio Grande Valley. Mr. William Lloyd’s records for western Texas in fall and winter undoubtedly refer to the Ferruginous Rough-leg. (Auk, vol. Iv, 1887, pp. 188, 189.) Very little has been written on the food of this Hawk, but presuma- bly it does not differ much from that of the Red-shouldered Hawk. Mr. G. B. Benners says its food consists of snakes, frogs, rabbits, and quails. (Ornithologist and Oologist, vol. x11, 1887, p. 68.) The White-tailed Hawk breeds along the sand ridges near the coast, and usually places its nest in a Spanish bayonet (yucca) or other low plant from 5 to 10 feet from the ground. The nest is a bulky affair, often several feet in diameter, although the cavity is small, and just sufficient to accommodate the bird. The greater mass of the structure is composed of sticks and coarse herbage, while the lining is made up of dry grass and small fibers. The eggs, which are usually two in number, rarely three or four, are deposited in the early part of May, and the young are found about the Ist of June. The bird is quite shy and difficult to secure, and when its nest is approached will circle about out of gun range. DESCRIPTION. Tail less than half as long as wing. Three outer wing feathers with inner web distinctly cut out. Tail, and the feathers covering it, white, crossed near the end with a broad band of black, in front of which are numerous narrow broken lines of blackish. Above, blueish-gray or slaty; front of shoulders rufous; rump and lower parts white; throat sometimes dusky. Length: 23 to 24 inches (584 to 609™™); extent, 48 to 54 inches (1220 to 1372™™); wing, 14.50 to 17.75 inches (368 to 450™™); tail, 7.50 tu 10.30 inches (190 to 261™), SWAINSON’S HAWK. Buteo swainsoni. [Plate 9—Adult.] Swainson’s Hawk inhabits western North America, ranging from Alaska and the Mackenzie River district south through middle Amer- ica and the greater part of South America to the Argentine Republic. In North America it extends east to Hudson Bay, Wisconsin, Illinois, Bull No 3 Div. Ornithology POS OTE SWAINSONS HAWK Borvup SWAINSON’S HAWK. 73 and Arkansas, and is accidental in New England. Throughout the northern part of its range and as far south as South Dakota and Ne- braska it is a migratory species. A few winter near parallel 43°, but the majority pass south of that latitude by the latter part of October and return the following March or early April. The food of this Hawk, like that of the other Buteos, is extremely varied, but generally consists of more insect matter than is usually the case in birds of prey of this group. Besides insects, it feeds exten- sively on gophers (ground squirrels) and other small rodents, reptiles, batrachians, and occasionally on birds. It very rarely touches poultry, though Mr. H. Nehrling says that in Texas it commits great havoc among this class of birds. (Bull. Nutt. Ornith. Club, vol. vu, 1882, p. 174.) It is probable that this author has been misinformed, as the majority of writers state the contrary. It is quite rare for them to touch small birds, and the following notes will show in what perfect harmony it often lives with other species. Capt. Charles E, Bendire says: “Lieut. Benson writes me that after the Arkansas king birds (Tyrannus verticalis Say) began to build he invariably found one of their nests in any tree that contained a Swain- sows hawk’s nest. In one case, a pair of these birds had placed their nest directly under and but 8 or 9 inches from that of the hawk. A pair of white-rumped shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus excubitoroides Swains.) built also immediately below one of these hawks’ nests.” (Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., vol. x, 1887, p. 553.) Dr. W. J. Hoffman says: “The only nest with eggs observed was one near Antelope Creek [Nevada], which was built near another of Icterus bullocki. In this instance both were breeding, and the latter evinced no fear of their neighbors, as one would occasionally fly back and forth from the nest immediately over that occupied by the hawk.” (Bull. U. S. Geol. and Geog. Surv. Ter., Hayden, vol. v1, 1881, p. 243.) Among the smaller mammals, spermophiles form a very important item in the bill of fare, and at certain seasons of the year constitute the greater part of the food of this hawk. The following, from the pen of Mr. H. W. Henshaw, bears on the subject: “Camping here [San Fer- nando Valley, Cal.] one evening our attention was directed to the great, number of gophers (Spermophilus beecheyi) which in large colonies in- habited some barren hills near the station. Toward dusk the place was visited by at least a dozen of these birds, which took up their posi- tions on the hillocks thrown up by the animals in front of their bur. rows, and awaited with patience the moment when a favorable oppor- tunity should occur to snatch a supper. Elsewhere I have frequently seen them thus employed, and their persistence in destroying these pests should entitle them to due consideration at the hands of the farmer. Large number of insects, particularly grasshoppers, are des- troyed by these birds, whose abilities as purveyors of food are thus of 74 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. the lowest order. .(Appendix JJ Ann, Rept. of the Chicf of Engineers U.S. A. for 1876, pp. 263, 264.) The following by Mr. Robert Ridgway relates to the food of this hawk in Utah: “We found it [the nest] so filled with the accumulated remains of animals carried to the young that scarcely any depression was notice- able on the top, the decomposing rubbish consisting of bones and other remnants of small hares (Lepas artemisia), ground squirrels (Spermo- philus lateralis, S. harrisi, and Tamias quadrivittatus), and, strange to say, a full-grown young Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius). * * * In one of these nests, found July 2, was a single young one, which, although yet covered with snow-white cottony down, was savagely tearing at a dead weasel which had been carried to the nest by the old birds, both of which were killed; * * * the food of this Hawk is by no means confined to small mammals and birds, but during the flights of the grasshoppers, which so often devastate the fields of Utah and other portions of the West, they keep continually gorged on these insects; and at one season we found them living chiefly on the large cricket so common in Salt Lake Valley. On the 31st of May, 1869, at Salt Lake City, we noticed a number of these hawks on the ground, where they remained most of the time quiet, but every now and then they would raise their wings and hop briskly in pursuit of some object, which at the distance, we could not distinguish. Cautiously approaching them, four were shot during the forenoon; they would not allow us to walk to within gunshot, but after flying for a few minutes would some- times return toward us, and, passing by, giveus a fair opportunity for wingshots. Upon dissection, the stomachs of these specimens were found to be filled entirely with the large crickets mentioned above.” (U.S. Geol. Explor. of the 40th Paral., King, vol. Iv, 1877, pp. 585-587.) Mr. E. W. Nelson, speaking of the food of this hawk in Alaska, says: “He [Dr. Dall] found the bones of rabbits, squirrels, mice, and ducks, and even part of a whitefish, in the vicinity of their nests, showing that they are ready to prey upon anything that falls in their way.” (Rept. Nat. Hist. Collections in Alaska, 1887, p. 142.) Dr. Coues gives the following information on the food: “The quarry of Swainson’s buzzard is of a very humble nature. I never saw one stoop upon a water-fowl or grouse, and though they probably strike rabbits, like the red-tails, their prey is ordinarily nothing larger than gophers. * * * TI scarcely think they are smart enough to catch birds very often. I saw one make the attempt on a lark-bunting. * * * But I question whether, after all, insects do not furnish their principal subsistence. Those I shot after midsummer all had their craws stuffed with grasshoppers.” (Amer. Nat., vol. VIII, 1874, p. 285, 286.). The benefit it does to the farmer by destroying vast numbers of gophers probably does not exceed that which it does in clearing his fields of noxious insects, notably grasshoppers and crickets. SWAINSON’S HAWK. 75 Mr. H.W. Henshaw gives the following note in reference to the use- fulness of this species: “The crops of all those shot were crammed with grasshoppers; and, as these insects were very abundant, the hawks, as a matter of course, were very fat.” (Explor. West of the 100th Merid., Wheeler, vol. V, 1875, p. 422.) In a communication from Capt. Platte M. Thorne, dated January 3, 1889, from Fort Lyon, Colo., he says: “On July 30, 1887, shot a Swainson’s hawk, which seemed too gorged to fly; stomach contained a great nuin- ber of large grasshoppers. July 31 shot another whose stomach con- tained part of a gopher and a great many grasshoppers. August 30 saw about thirty Swainson’s hawks, which were on the ground and apparently feeding. One shot had about as many grasshoppers in the stomach as would fill a tumbler heaping full.” Mr. Charles F. Morrison, also writing from Colorado, says: “In the fall grasshoppers form the principal diet of this species, although gophers and small birds aiso are fed upon.” (Ornith. and Oologist, vol. XIV, 1889, p. 8.) Dr. C. Hart Merriam, in the Forest and Stream of December 27, 1888, page 455, gives a very interesting account of a flock of these birds which he saw feeding on grasshoppers in Oregon in the summer of 1888, which is here added: “During the evening of August 20, 1888, Mr. H. W. Henshaw and I drove from Pendleton to the Umatilla Indian Agency, in northeastern Oregon, about 50 miles east of the Great Bend of the Columbia. It had been so hot during the day, the thermometer standing at 104° in the shade, that we were unable to go out. Driving wlong the crest of the plateau just south of the Umatilla River, at about sundown, we were astonished to see a very large number of large hawks hopping about on the ground, catching grasshoppers. We counted about 150 of these hawks, and there must have been at least 200 in the immediate neighborhood. At first we took them to be rough- legs, but later ascertained that nearly if not all were Swainson’s hawks (Buteo swainsont). The period between sundown and dark in that region is so short that the birds were still catching grasshoppers when overtaken by darkness. “ About 6 o’clock the next morning I visited the same place and was gratified to find the hawks engaged in making their breakfast of grass- hoppers. They were scattered over a larger area than when we saw them the previous evening. Before 8 o’clock most of them had left the hills and settled down for the day in the poplar trees along the river bottom. Here I found the trees literally full of hawks, and counted as many as thirteen in one tree. Two of the three whose stomachs were examined contained grasshoppers and no other food. The third contained, in addition to grasshoppers, the head of a meadow mouse of the genus Arvicola (subgenus Chilotus), One contained 88 grasshop- pers, another 96, and the third 106. Most of the grasshoppers were a 76 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. large species of Gfdipoda, though a few belonged to the genus Calop- tenus. “ Assuming that each hawk captured 200 grasshoppers a day and that there were 200 hawks, the daily catch would be 40,000 grasshop- pers. At this rate these hawks would destroy 280,000 grasshoppers in a week and 1,200,000 in a month. I have no means of knowing how long the hawks remained in the neighborhood of Pendleton, but was told that they had been there before our visit. When in southern California about a month later I was told by Mr. Edward Merriam that on three occasions he had noticed similar gatherings of hawks in San Diego County. Once he sawa flock of several hundred large hawks catching crickets in cracked adobe soil in the San Marcos Valley. At night the hawks came into the live oaks at the head of the valley to rest. He shot one and found its stomach packed full of large black crickets. On two other occasions he saw large flocks of these hawks similarly engaged in catching the same species of crickets. The time was during the latter part of September. “Mr, Angel, of San Luis Obispo, Cal., told me that he once saw a large number of large dark-colored hawks flying about over the edge of a prairie fire near Chico, in the Sacramento Valley. The air was full of grasshoppers driven out of the grass by the fire, and the hawks were catching and feeding upon them. “Mr. T.S. Palmer, of Berkeley, Cal., has kindly furnished me with the following interesting communication on a flock of hawks observed by him at Pomona, Cal.: ‘While spending the suinmer of 1887 at Pomona, Los Angeles County, Cal., I was much interested in a “flock” of hawks which remained in the vicinity during the month of August. The fact of their congregating in such numbers may be attributed to two causes: (1) Exceptional abundance of food in a particular spot; and (2) the fact that most of the birds were buteos (B. swainsoni predominating) which were migrating slowly southward. “¢Their favorite resort was a sandy spot a mile east of the town, well out in the middle of the valley and quite a distance from the neigh- boring mountains. A single irrigating ditch supplied the only water to be had, and to it all the birds in the vicinity were accustomed to resort to drink. Rocky and dry as the spot was, it was sparsely wooded with sycamores and live oaks, and overgrown with white sage, cacti, elderberry bushes, etc. About the first of the month the hawks became common, and although at times scarcely any could be seen, a day or two after they would be present in greater numbers than ever before. On the 22d of August I succeeded in getting quite close to the flocks, and counted fourteen hawks circling about together, much in the man- ner of turkey buzzards, and not more than 50 or 75 yards from the ground. Nearly all seemed to be young birds, chiefly Buteo b. calurus and Buteo swainsoni, although there were several which I was unable to identify. All were intently engaged in hunting, and I have little doubt that they were feeding on grasshoppers. SWAINSON’S HAWK. V7 “(During the month I secured but two specimens. The first taken on the 4th of August, and proved tobe afemale Buteo swainsoni in very dark plumage. Upon dissection the gizzard was found to be tightly packed with grasshoppers, and the bird had no doubt gorged herself, for when I approached the tree in which she was sitting she made no attempt to fly even when I was almost under her. My second specimen, a typical male Buteo swainsoni, was taken on the morning of August 31. Both the gizzard and cesophagus were filled with grasshoppers, and out of curiosity I undertook to ascertain their number. I found 110 pairs of the large hind legs, while an assistant counted 133 heads. It is safe to say that this hawk had captured 125 grasshoppers before 9A.M. If this can be considered as the average number killed per day by each bird, the total number killed by the flock during their stay in the vicinity must have been something incredible. “¢A bout the 1st of September the hawks disappeared, and although I visited the place several times during December and January as well as during the summer of 1888, I never saw more than two or three at one time circling about in search of food.” Mr. A. 8S. Bennet, writing to the U.S. Department of Agriculture from Lay, Colo., states that on July 10, 1889, he saw flocks of large hawks, some of which were circling near the ground, while others were perched on it. The mass contained at least 500 individuals, and were feeding upon a species of cricket (Anabrus purpurascens), which covered over fully 4 acres of surface. A specimen shot for identification con- tained six of these insects in its stomach. At the report of the rifle the flocks left the vicinity, but in a short time returned to resume their feast. From the above testimony it will be seen that Swainson’s Hawk, although one of the larger species, is a most beneficial bird, as it de- stroys immense numbers of noxious mammals and insects and rarely touches poultry or other birds. The services thus rendered should gain for it the good will and protection of all fair-minded farmers and sportsmen, and not the short-sighted prejudice and enmity too com- monly shown by these classes of men. Its breeding range is nearly, if not quite, coincident with its distribu- tion. The situation of the nest is variable. Sometimes it is placed in the tops of large cottonwoods bordering streams; at other times, a few feet from the surface in low trees or bushes on the prairie, while in still other cases it is built on the ground, at the top of some bank or shelf on cliff. The nest is large and slovenly placed together, and in some instances is nothing more than a platform of sticks of various sizes. Usually the nests placed on the ground are less bulky than those in the trees and shrubbery. The cavity is shallow and contains a lining of dry sticks, green leaves, corn husks, or, in the far North, the hair or fur of animals. In some cases, like other Hawks, it occupies the deserted nest of some other bird. The usual number of eggs in a 78 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. set is two, though three, and occasionally four or five are found. In Texas it commences nest-buildiung in March, while in the northern United States it is the last of April before it begins, and the first of June before the young appear. By preference it frequents the timber in the vicinity of streams, though often it is found far out on the prairie, where its only perch is the earth mound of some mammal, or some other slightly elevated knoll. In the fall this species congregates in large flocks, which often number several hundred individuals, and in certain localities where food is abundant they remain together. When the bird first starts from the ground the flight is heavy and clumsy, but in a few moments it becomes easy and graceful and may be long protracted. At times the flocks or even individuals will mount high in air and circle for hours, seemingly for no other purpose than amusement. When captured young it makes a very interesting pet and soon be- comes tame, as the following, from the pen of Mr. Robert Ridgway, testifies: “At our camp in Parley Park we reared four young birds of this species, which were taken from their nests while in the downy state. As they grew up under our care they became very pleasing pets, being exceedingly docile, and much attached to those who fed them. When sufficiently old to use their wings they showed no dispo- sition to leave, although they were allowed full liberty all the while; and though they made frequent tours of inspection over the neighbor- ing meadows, and occasional foraging excursions among the flocks of Blackbirds (Scolecophagus cyanocephalus) which frequented the vicinity, they seldom went far away, and always returned after a short absence. They were fed principally upon bits of fresh beef and mutton, varied oceasionally by the carcasses of birds we had skinned. Their chief amusement about camp consisted in chasing grasshoppers over the ground, which they pursued by leaping after them, with the wings ex- tended; but when not engaged in this oceupation they usually perched quietly upon the fence near by or upon the tents.” (U.S. Geol. Explor. of the Fortieth Parallel, King, vol. 1v, 1877, p. 587.) aa DESCRIPTION. Only three outer wing feathers, with inner web distinctly cut out. Tail grayish brown, sometimes with a hoary tinge, crossed by a number of narrow dusky bands, which grow less distinct towards base. Above, grayish brown; forehead, chin, and throat, white; upper part of breast, plain rufous, cinnamon, or grayish brown; rest of lower parts, buffy white, sometimes unspotted, but usually more or less barred or spotted with whitish. rom the above there are all phases of plumage to a uniform sooty brown. Length: 19.50 to 22 inches (495 to 559™™); extent, 48 to 56 inches (1220 to 1425); wing, 14.50 to 17.25 inches (368 to 438™™); tail, 8 to 10 inches (203 to 254™"), N fo.3 Div. Ornithology Plate (M .% Pieter siOie? LAW K. 1A W K 1A W K BROAD-WINGED HAWK. 79 Table showing the results of examinations of eighteen stomachs of Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsont). Poultry | | , Locality. Date. or game} Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. birds. i Cedar County, Nebr...; Aug., 1867 ; eins empeies 68 locusts. DO occiscnzpecciec ci foes oa if sibiseahee ! ose aeealdl z ..--| 61 locusts. 58 insects. 0 Dakota County, Nebr -| July, 1868 | 65 insects. ped County: Nebr.-.-| Sept., 1872 Salt Lake City, Utah..| May 31, 1869 ; Grasshoppers. San Francisco Moun- ; Aug. 29, 1889 ; Do. tain, Arizona. ' Camp Verde, Ariz...-. July 31,1884 DO: -cccieivivie Aug. 13, 1884 | DG ensscane ts nevemalioel ! Empty. DO conersenngoos Aug. 16, 1884 | Do Do ae ao seaisinaid ‘ Be Do. Do July 18,1885 : -| Lizards. Do -| May 1,1886! .| Large lizard, horned toads. DO asisasaions sediesyeats Sept. 10, 1886 Grasshoppers, | beetles, and frogs. DO sseeeertassess May _5,1888 Frog. s Seveceeeeceemes Large lizards. Short-tailed sper- mophile. Ssduahecndesanesiba 50 grasshoppers. DO -se.casceas east May 15,1888 |... Birch Creek, Idaho....; Aug. 4, 1890 Walker Basin, Cal..... July 15, 1891 SumMary.—Of 18 stomachs examined, 7 contained small mammals; 8, insects; 3, reptiles; 3, batra chians, and 3 wee empty. COOPER’S BUZZARD. Buteo cooperi. The type specimen of this hawk was taken near Mountain View, in the Santa Clara Valley, California, by Dr. Cooper, in November, 1855, and remains unique to this day. Absolutely nothing is known of its life history, and hence no positive information can be given of its food habits. Its size and general make-up prove it to belong to the class of heavy-moving hawks, and it is probable that its food and habits con- form in general to theirs. , BROAD-WINGED HAWK. Buteo latissimus. [Plate 10—Adult.] The Broad-winged Hawk inhabits eastern North America from New Brunswick and the Saskatchewan River, ranging south through the United States, east of the Great Plains, to Middle America, West Indies, and northern South America. It migrates in September and October from the region north of latitude 40° and winters from this point south- ward. In March and early April it again passes north, often in consid- erable flocks. It breeds throughout the eastern United States as far north as the limit of its range. The food of this Hawk consists principally of insects, small mammals, reptiles, and batrachians, and occasionally of young or disabled birds. A specimen secured by the writer in May, just after a shower, was gorged with large earth worms. In the spring, when toads frequent 80 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. ponds to spawn, it devours large numbers of them, and later in the season it is a not uncommon occurrence to see an individual with a frog or snake dangling from its talons. Mr. Maynard mentions seeing one of these birds attack and kill an adult brown thrush. The writer considers this a very exceptionable event, for from his own observations and those of other ornithologists, itis an undeniable fact that the Broad-winged Hawk rarely attacks birds, and when it does they are generally young just from the nest. In the woods the small birds pay little attention to this Hawk and show no fear inits presence. Mr. James W. Banks found the remains of three unfledged thrushes in the stomach of one killed near St. John, New Brunswick. (Auk, vol. 1, 1884, p. 96.) Among mammals the smaller squirrels and wood mice are most fre- quently taken, though field mice and shrews also are found in the stomach contents. During August and September a considerable portion of the food con- sists of the larve of certain large moths which are common at this sea- son, notably those of the elm sphinx (Ceratomia amyntor), of the Cecro- pian moth (Attacus cecropia), and of the Polyphemus moth ( Telea polyphe- mus), and it is the exception not to find their remains in the stomachs examined. Grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles are also greedily de- voured. The following quotations bear on the subject of this hawk’s food: Audubon says: “In the stomach of this bird I found wood frogs, portions of small snakes, together with feathers, and the hair of several small specimens of quadrupeds.” (Ornith. Biography, vol. 1, p. 463.) Mr. J. W. Preston says: “Their food consists ot small squirrels, frogs, and, in fact, any small quarry easily captured. Never have I known them to molest the poultry.” (Ornith. and Oologist, vol. x11, 1888, p. 20.) Mr. J. G. Wells, speaking of the bird in the West Indies, says: “Numerous; feeds on lizards, rats, snakes, young birds, etc., and occa- sionally makes a raid on the poultry yard.” (Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., vol. Ix, 1886, p. 622.) Dr. F. W. Langdon says: “The stomach of a specimen of this hawk taken at Madisonville in April, 1877, contained the greater part of the skeleton and hair of a small wood mouse (Arvicola austerus), a lizard (Eumeces) about 6 inches long, and ten or twelve small beetles, with numerous elytra of the same.” (Journ. Cincinnati Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. I, p. 116.) Dr. B. H. Warren gives the following: “In twelve specimens exam- ined by myself, four revealed mice; three, small birds; four, frogs; one, killed the 22d of May, 1882, was gorged with crayfish, with which were traces of coleopterous insects.” (Birds of Pennsylvania, 1888, p. 91.) The only act of the Broad-winged Hawk which seems injurious to agriculture is the killing of toads and small snakes; the former of which are exclusively insect-eaters, the latter very largely so. In one respect BROAD-WINGED HAWK. 81 its enormous value ranks above all other birds, and that is in the de- struction of immense numbers of injurious larvee of large moths, which most birds are either unable or disinclined to cope with. The good serv- ice it does should insure it the protection extended to the other Buteos. The following species of mammals were positively identified among the stomach contents. Sciurus hudsonicus. Blarina b. carolinensis. Arvicola riparius, Tamias striatus. Arvicola pinetorum. Lepus sylwaticus, Scalops aquaticus. Mus decumanus. Blarina brevicauda. The nest, which is placed in a fork of either an evergreen or decid- uous tree, usually is not over 25 feet from the ground, though occasionally itis situated in the tops of the highest trecs. Sometimes this hawk appropriates the deserted nests of some other bird, notably that of the crow, or even uses for a foundation the outside canopy of the squirrel. The nest, which averages a little larger than that of the crow, is com- posed of dead sticks and lined with strips of bark, or with dry or green leaves. The eggs, of which the complement is usually two or three, are deposited from the middle to the latter part of May, consequently this species is among the latest of the hawks to breed. The male assists in incubating the eggs as well as in the duties pertaining to bringing up ‘the young. Of all our Hawks this species seems to be the most unsuspicious, often allowing a person to approach within a few yards of it, and when started flies but a short distance before it alights again. During the early summer the Broad-winged Hawk often may be seen sitting for hours on the dead top of some high tree. At other times it is found on the smaller trees in the deep woods, along streams, or on the ground, where its food is more often procured. Although sluggish and unusually heavy in its flight, it is capable of rapid motion and sometimes soars high in the air. One of its notes resembles quite closely that of the wood pewee. DESCRIPTION, Wing less than 13.50 inches (342™™), Middle toe shorter than naked portion of leg in front. Adult.—Above dusky brownish, darker on back; below brownish, dull rufous, or rusty, more or less broken by white transverse spotting ; lower belly white, barred with dull rufous; tail blackish, crossed by two to four bands of gray or brownish white. Immature.——Mutire underparts dull white or buffy, with longitudinal brown ordusky streaks on breast and sides; tail grayish brown, crossed by five to seven narrow bands of dusky. Length: 13.25 to 18 inches (336 to 457”); extent, 33 to 36 inches (838 to 915"™); wing, 9.75 to 11.40 inches (247 to 290™™); tail, 6.50 to 8 inches (165 to 2038™"), 7626—No. 3—-—6 82 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. Table showing the results of examinations of 65 stomachs of the Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo latissimus). Poultry Locality. Date. at gene Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. Las. Sing Sing, N. Y....--. Geph. 19, W885 eweseeeusfoneces cereweseseey Chipmunk...... Crickets, grass- hoppers. Middle Haddam, Conn.| Sept. 4, 1885 }.... Toad. London, Canada-...-.-- Sept. 22, 1883 Toad, large num- ber larva. Lockport, N. Y....---- Apr. 27, 1886 |. Meadow mouse .| Snake, 2 beetles. Brooklyn, Ohio.....--. May 10, 1886 |. - -| Chipmunk, shrew. Washington, D. C...-. June 5, 1887 3 oven birds ....] 2 shrews....... Syracuse, N. Y Roan Mountain, N.C.- Long Island City, N.Y. DO «2-2-2 ee eee eee DDO: sesdcies le cisnosisitls Sing Sing, N. Y....... DO = pciipatiooemescen Lake George, N. Y..-- Sing Sing, N.Y ....--- Troy, Ne Zoe encecewen Sandy Spring, Md .... rie N. Y Do... Do. sandy Spring, a eugene W.Va... Berwyn, Pa.... .-.--- Virginia ......-...---- West Goshen, Pa.....- Alder Creek, N.Y. Germantown, Pa - Utica, N.Y aa Brookville, Ind. .....-.. Decatur County, Ind.. Raleigh, N.C Do. Renssclav N.Y Berkshire County, Mass. Huntington, ING XY cee Sandy ie ing, Md..... .-| May Highland Falls, N.Y A pr. 30, 1887 |- Aug. 10, 1887 |. Sept. 23, 1887 a 24, 1887 Sent, 21, 1881 Sept. 23, 1881 Aug. 2, 1882 May 8, 1885 Sept. 19, 1885 May 10, 1887 -| Sept. 1, 1887 |. -| May 28, 1878 June 27, 1885 |. Apr. 9, 1886 ais aly A ee A ie 1. 28, 1888 |... a May 29,1888 |... .| June 3, 1888 Aug. 12, 1888 May 11, 1888 Sept, 29, 1889 Sept. 22, 1886 6, 1886 Apr. 22, 1887 |.. May 93, 1888 |. ‘Soph 12, 1887 Sept. 13, 1887 Sept. 14, 1889 Jan. 20, 1890 !.. July 22. 1890 |. -tlo “Aug. 1, 1890 4, 1874 May 3, 1876 May 5, 1876 |. Rockland pain Be Y rena 17, 1876 |. -| May 25, 1877 Chipmunk, shrew. ‘| Large rat, mouse. Weasel ......... -| 4shrews. 2meadow mice, 1 shrew. Hair of mammal Toad. | Garter snak 8, toad, larve, beetles. ao an ; uantity o crickets. 8 elm sphinx Jar- ve. Elm sphinx lar- Ve. Garter snake. Quantity of earth worms. Tree-frog, grass- hoppers. c aaa spi- See chanpen Grasshoppers, .| Caterpillars. .| Crickets, grass- hoppers. Grasshoppe cricket, ay Beetle. Crickets. SPARR OW HAWK. 123 Table showing the results of examinations of 820 stomachs of the Sparrow Hawk Falco sparverius )—Continued. Poultry , Locality. Date. or game Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. birds. Chester County, Pa....| Feb. 7, 1887 |..-..--.--]-----+-----ee .---| Meadow mouse .| Crickets, cater: West Chester, Pa . Chpaver County, Pa . 1D wnncee Delaware County, Pa.. Chester County, Pa -.-. East Bradford, Pa nee County, Pa . Jan. 12,1887 -| Mar, 10, 1886 Jan. 6,1885 Mar. 15, 1886 Jan. 10,1887 Jan. 25, 1887 oO Jan., -| Feb. 1, 1887 Lancaster Co., Nebr ..|Sept., 1873 Hale County, Ala..... Mar. 17, 1888 Gainsville, Fla........ Jan. 4, 1888 Jan. 9,1888 Dec. 7,1887 Dec., 1887 Dec. 31, 1887 Feb. 9,1886}. Jan. 19, 1885 |. -| Meadowlark . -| Junco .... .| Feather. : Meadowlark; Tree sparrow... sparrow. Meadow mouse - House mouse ... Meadow mouse . House mouse ... Meadow mouse - White-footed mouse. 2 meadow mice . pillars, spider. -| Empty. Geter pillars, ; larve, spider. arVe. Grasshoppers, beetles, larve. Remains of in- sects. Grasshoppers, 10 larve. Grasshoppers, larve, beetle. Crickets, larvee. 5 grasshoppers, 5 larw@, spi- der. Caterpillar, crickets, spider. 6 caterpillars, 6 grasshoppers, spider. Tusects. Do. Do. Do. Do. : Grasshopper. | Insects. Do. 8 locusts, 27 other insects. 38 insects. -| 29 insects. 34 insects. -| 22 insects. -| 47 locusts. -| 40 insects. -| 87 insects. 43 insects. 40 insects, frogs. Grasshoppers, crickets. Remains of in- secta. Larve and other insects. Crickets. 124 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. Table showing the results of exraminations of 320 stomaahs of the Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius )—Continued. Poultry , Locality. Date. ola Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. birds Sandy Spring, Md ..--| Apr. 2,1888).......... Field sparrow ..|......------------ White grub, bee- tles, spider. Chester County, Pa.-.-| Feb. 7, 1887 Caterpillar. East Bradford, Pa..-..| July 20,1886 : Chester County, Pa...| Aug. 3, 1886}. Grasshoppers. Maplewood, N. J....--| Jan. 11, 1886 |. L es okout Mountain, | Mar, 31,1882 Lizard. ‘enn. Buena Vista, N.J..--- Oct. 11,1885 Crickets. Palatka, Fla...--....-- Feb. 19, 1881 2lizards, bee- Bayou des Allemands, 2. Brookville, Ind Do Rensselaer County, N. ¥. Do Troy, N.Y Buttalo Ga: Do Kast Hartford, Conn.. Custer, S. Dak...----- Do Hillsdale, Mont Gallatin County, Mont Madison River, Mont. . Fairmont, W. Va Sandy Spring, Md..... Do..... waleian soles July 10, 1886 July 14, 1886 Oct. 5, 1888 Dec. 18,1888 Mar. 26, 1887 di Sept. 3, 1885 June 6, 1888 June 13, 1881 Apr. 11, 1882 Nov. —, 1882 Mar. 9,1885 Sept. 21, 1886 Oct. —,1887 Tuly 17, 1888 Aug. 5.1888 ----d0 Aug. 8, 1888 Aug. 24, 1888 Sept. 9, 1888 Sept. 19, 1888 Sept. 14, 1888 Sept. 19, 1888 Sept. 20, 1888 Dec. 18, 1888 Dec. 28, 1888 Dec. 30, 1884 |. -| Dec. —, 1886 |. -| July 2, 1888}. me 3, 1888 |. ‘Aug. 30, 1987 |. Aug. 6, 1888]. Mouse Meadow mouse. eset anepecacace tles, grasshop- pers. 12 grasshoppers. Grasshoppers. Dung beetles, dragon flies. Dragon flies. Small black in- sects. Grasshoppers, bones. Grasshoppers, cater pillars, other insects. Caterpillars. G rasshoppets, other insects. aoe mpty. 6 beetles Grasshopper. rasshoppers. aE beetles hehe rasshopper, beetle. pee 5 grasshoppers. 7 grasshoppers, lepidopterous larva. 30 grasshoppers, lepidopterous larva. 13 grasshoppers. 18 grasshoppers. 22 grasshoppers. 25 crickets and presebopper 8, eetles. 10 grasshoppers, aces ee 2 grasshoppers. 20 aasheeners, ant oe grasshoppers, 24 crickets, 1 dragon-fly, 2 spiders. 10 grasshoppers. 5 grasshoppers, g 2 cle Ae grasshoppers, katydid, spi- der me asshoppers, 10 katyauds, 10 crickets. 14 crickets, 12 spiders, 13 grasshoppers. 2 lepidopterous larvee. SPARROW HAWK. 125 Table showing the results of examinations of 320 stomachs of the Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius)—Continued. Poultry Locality. Date. Be (ene Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. 1Trds. Sandy Spring, Md.... |Dec. 28, 1888 |... ......-|- eee eee ener cece [ene e cere nceencnnee 12 lepidopterous Amityville, N.Y Flatbush, N. Y Saint Lucie, Fla Fort Drum, Fla D O ---neeeen---e- Cisco, Tex Eastland, Tex Sandy Spring, Md..... Oj aiaiese Lawrence, N.Y .. Phoenix, Ariz........- Waterloo, Ind San Francisco Mt., Do ....06 Grand Cajion, Ariz..-. Greensboro, Ala... Maryland Doisesesee. Hale County, Ala Dee. 29, 1888 | Oct. April 17, 1888 Sept. 28, 1888 Aug. 14, 1888 Sept 29, 1888 Oct. 16, 1888 do Sept. 17, 1888 Oct. Jan. 19, 1889 Jan. 21, 1889 -| Jan. 22, 1889 |... Jan. May 14, 1889 1, 1889 Aug. Aug. Aug. hae -| Aug. -| Sept. Sept. 14, 1889 Sept. 29, 1889 Oct. 13, 1889 Oct. Jan. 16, 1886 Apr. Apr. 12, 1886 Sept. 13, 1886 Sept. 26, 1886 -| Oct. -| Dec. 23, 1886 |. -| Feb. 14, 1887 -| Feb. 16, 1887 |. -| Apr. 8, 1887 Aug. 26, 1887 |. Aug. 31, 1887 |. Sept. Sept. 16, 1887 Sept, 22, 1887 Oct. Dec. 29, 1887 July 31, 1888 Oct. Nov. 28, 1889 9, 1888 4, 1888 6, 1889 |.. 1, 1885 5, 1886 9, 1886 |. 1, 1887 8, 1887 1, 1888 Warbler ....-... Redwing black- bird. Sparrow, warb- ler. ‘Small bird . eta Oi nee .| Ho Meadow mouse. use Mouse -.- larve, 8 crick- ets, spider. 4crickets, grass- hopper. 10 grasshoppers and crickets. 15 lepidopterous larve, 2 spi- ders, gYra,8s- hoppers, bee- é tle. " ‘asshoppers. Land, 3 grass- hoppers, other insects. Beetles, lepidop- terous larve. Cricket, beetle. Spider, grass- hopper. 3 large grasshop- pers. 4 grasshoppers, 4 spiders. 1 lepidopterous larva, 2 crick- ets. 20 lepidopterous larve, cricket, spider, grass- hopper. Grass hoppers, beetles. 10 grasshoppers, beetle, katy- on aoe grasshoppers, beetle. 8 grasshoppers. Grasshoppers. Do Grasshop pers, crickets. Grasshoppers, .| Large beetle. Grass hoppers. beetle larve. ” 2 grubs, small beetles, fly.* Fly. Insects. Grasshoppers. Do. Do Insect remains. : Empty. 2 lizards, spider, insects. : Coke -| Empty. Grasshopper katydid Grasshoppers. -| Insects. Grasshoppers. De PP -| Lizard, insects Sesh pers. grasshoppers, 5 eridkate, larvae, 126 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. | Table showing the results of examinations of 320 stomachs of the Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius)—Continued. ‘ Poultry Locality. Date. ae Other birds. Mammals. ‘Miscellaneous. a irds. Sandy Spring, Md..... Dei. A, TOGO | cn cmne cen bt neaaemnunceeress me tarey dena naam Grasshoppers. Do ...--.-++-0-- Jam. 2,1890 |......-...|------ewevecocnne- 2 house mice....| 2grasshoppers, 1 co 1 bee- e. Hale County, Ala..... Dec. 28, 1889 |...--.----]-----encecennencnnlocceccenencoe -----| 2 spiders, 3 bee- tles, 6 grass- hoppers, 10 crickets, larva. Rockaway, N. Y...... Dragon flies. Do .....-..0----- 24 crickets. | San Francisco Mt., Ariz 8 grasshoppers. Greensboro, Ala .....- West Point, N. ¥ -| Apr. Apt Circleville, Ohio. -| Dec. Prescott, Ariz..-...-.- D Fort Apache, Ariz.... Gila River, San Carlos, Ariz. Gila River, Arizona... Cataract Creek, Ariz.. “Sept. 19, 1884 Oct. 13, 1884 |” Mar. Apr. Apr. es pr. di Oct. 17, 1884 Oct. 19, 1884 Nov. 11, 1884 Dec. 6,1884 -| Dec. 17, 1884 |. -| Feb. 9, 1885 ----do Feb. 19, 1885 -| Mar. 4,1885 Mar. 20, 1885 Morristown, N.J Portland, Conn...... Union County, Ky .... Dec. 14, 1885 Apr. 4,1886 Sept. 14, 1886 -| Dec. 20, 1887 |. .| Jan. 11, 1888 |. -| Feb. 8, 1888 |. Feb. 13, 1888 ‘Aug. 29, 1889 |. Sept. 3,-1890 Sept. 1,1890 Sept. 10, 1890 Apr. 26, 1890 Oct. 4, 1890 -| Oct. 11, 1890 Oct. 25, 1890 Nov. 5, 1890 sparrow. 0. Moth, other in- ts. pty. -| Insect remains. 0. Green grasshop- cts. Beetles, spiders. Insect remains. Grasshoppers, Baa bo Insect remains. Insect remains, spiders. Empty. Caterpillars. Grass hoppers, caterpillars, and beetles. Insects. Grasshoppers, other insects. Empty. Grasshoppers. Tusects. Do. iY ee spiders, larva, katydid. 4 grasshoppers. 10 crickets, agfcahonnes ‘ite grub, 2 larves, spider, grasshopper. 15 crickets. Empty. Cricket and beetleremains. 8 grasshoppers, 2 crickets. SPARROW HAWKE. 127 Table showing the results of examinations of 320 stomachs of the Sparrow Hawk (Latico sparverius )—Continued. Poultry : Locality. Date. game Other birds, Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds Union County, Ky .-..| Nov. 28, 1890 |.....-..-./.-.--2 2s. cece ee cele eee ecevccccecee-| 20 grasshoppers, 8 dung beetle larvae. Do ...... -| Dec. 5, 1890 }.-...-.--- eeceeceeeeee-| 1 grasshopper. Sandy Spring, -| Dec. 13, 1890 8 Wayne County, M July 6, 1890 Beetle, cricket. Do.. -| Aug.18, 1890 -| 5 grasshoppers. Sandy Spri -| Jan. 6, 1891 8, 3 small short- tailed shrews. DO xvaceuesenuzes|s ACL Oa cso aicians | Wis sieios cinsSin| sisseio ayaicisieieccigsiciedd se House mouse, small short- tailed shrew. DG isss osiettsiege sais Mar. 21,1898 | ccceccn coal scaqeoxacorboneet Housemouse.... Gorham, Maine....... Asie 10,1889 boas seicieasy| sarsscenisaw es sass soieceseawseeences Grasshopper, cricket, and beetleremains. Westbrook, Maine -...} Apr. 21, 1890 |.........-|------.seeceeeeeee Mouse hair-....| 7 caterpillars, 4 crickets, 5 small snakes. Sandy Spring, Md..... Mar. 13, 1892 |.....-.... Small sparrow ..|.......--....----- Cera, grass- opper. DOvevccecesece sce Mar. i9, 1892 |.-.....--. Tree sparrow ---| Small short tail- ed shrew. Portland, Conn........ Mar. 7, 1891|.......... English sparrow]. .-.......--...--- 2 Sree Oppers, ericket. Jacksonville, Ill....... Mar. 26, 1892 |........- -| Small bird ......)...--...-....e- eee 4 crickets, cat- erpillar. DO cession oesteee| cs Meadow mouse .| 3 crickets. Do...- Mouse.......... Cricket. aa leer : < aes Mu andy Spring, Md @ lene Empty. ae eae White footed m mouse, small shorttailed shrew. DO. ssa see cies: is [fe O is sitia wes) buena arate ate erase baa sie aig oc ein ciel we seein a wen eeeew see Empt; Ashton, Minn......... MAY 14, 1892 [ora s ca cserciel s 5s yeeieisseriosisws/en|seeekeaesecenieecee Green snake, spider, insect remains. Sandy Spring, Md..... Mar.30, 1892 |savcesswai|wexeadawnseaseeets| seem ucneaverenes DO ssssosesewsses 0 Provencal, La... Onaga, Kans .......... Mar. 15, 1892 Jan. 11, 1891 Jan. 14, 1891 Jan. 14, 1891 Mar. 15, 1892 May 31, 1892 Apr. 20, 1892 Song sparrow Junco, and small sparrow. -| Housemouse. 2 sparrows.....- s 2 house mice. -| House mouse, meadow mouse! Meadow mouse . -| 2 house mice... House mouse ... -| 2 house mice.... Meadow mouse. 12 crickets, bee- tl Ge 3 caterpillars, 1 beetle. . Empty. Gatorpitlar, Beetle; spider. Centiped, grass- hopper. Grasshopper and caterpillar re- mains. : Summary.—Of 320 stomachs examined, 1 contained a gamebird; 53, other birds; 89, mice; 12, other mammals; 12, reptiles or batrachians; 215, insects; 29, spiders; and 29 were empty. 128 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. AUDUBON’S CARACARA. Polyborus cheriway. Audubon’s Caracara is a tropical species inhabiting northern South America, Central America, Mexico, and the southern United States, Florida, Texas, and Arizona. In the southern part of Texas, along the Rio Grande, it is more common in winter than during the warmer months, as individuals from the North join those that summer there. A closely allied species (Polyborus tharus) inhabits the whole of South America except the northern part, and a third one (Polyborus lutosus) is restricted to Guadalupe Island, Lower California. The food of the Caracara more closely resembles that of the true vul- tures than that of the hawks proper. Like the vultures, it feeds greedily on dead animal matter of all kinds, seemingly having little preference for any particular sort. In the vicinity of slaughter-houses or about the carcasses of the larger animals, it may be seen in company with turkey buzzards devouring the bits of offal or carrion. The Caracara feeds also on lizards, snakes, frogs, young alligators, crabs, craw-fish, insects, and young birds. Itis very partialto snakes and destroys large numbers of them and also feeds on the dead ones. Small mammals are eaten in considerable numbers. The crops of three halfgrown young which Mr. G. B. Sennett secured at Lomita, Tex., were filled with mice. Lieut. Couch states that it destroys large numbers of the Texas field rat (Sigmodon berlandieri). (U.S. and Mexican Boundary Survey, 1852, vol. 11, part 11, Birds, p. 4.) Mr. H. Nehrling informs us that in catch- ing prairie dogs it hunts in pairs. It will sometimes attack animals as large as full-grown hares, as the following from Dr. J. C. Merrill demonstrates: I have seen a Caracara chase a jackass rabbit for some distance through open mesquit chaparral, and while it was in sight the bird kept within a few feet of the animal and constantly gained on it, in spite of its sharp turnsand bounds. [If one bird has caught a snake or field-mouse, its companions that may happen to see it at once pursue, and a chase follows very different from what is seen among the vul- tures. (Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. vol. 1, 1878, p. 153.) The stomach of a specimen from Ylorida, which Audubon examined, contained the remains of a bullfrog, numerous hard-shelled worms, and a quantity of horse and deer hair. (Ornith. Biography, vol. 1, p. 351.) In certain sections this bird is reported as feeding quite exten- sively on the ticks which infest the domesticated animals. Waterfowl which have fallen out of reach of the gunner are taken whenever found. Mr. W. B. Barrows informs the writer that in one instance, while duck shootingin the Argentine Republic, a species closely allied to the one under consideration, attempted to carry off a duck which had been left lying on the surface of the water near him, and it was necessary to make considerable demonstration to scare it off, AUDUBON’S CARACARA. 129 The Mexican Eagle, as this species is sometimes called, is an inof- fensive bird, feeding for the most part on carrion and offal. Besides doing great service as a scavenger, it destroys numerous small rodents as well as injurious insects, for which it deserves protection. The nest, which in most cases is a mere platform with a shallow depression, is a bulky structure, composed of small twigs, flags, reeds, coarse grass, or weed stalks, lined with fine grass, leaves, cotton, or Spanish moss. Itis to be found in a great variety of situations according to the locality; on the plains where there is a scarcity of suitable vegeta- tion it is placed in low bushes afew feet high, while along the river bot- toms where large trees abound, itis located high up among the branches 40 or 50 feet from the ground. The eggs, which are from two to four in number, are deposited in the first half of April, in most ifnot all portions of its United States range. Both males and females assist in the du- ties of incubation. In most parts of the country the bird is considered shy, not allowing a person to approach within gun range, though in some of the southern countries it is aS tame and unsuspicious as the vultures with which it associates. The Caracara has the habit in common with some other birds of sit- ting for hours in an exposed place with ruffled plumage and half-spread wings exposed to the sun, for the purpose of absorbing the warmth of its rays. Unlike most of the birds of prey this species walks on the ground with ease and grace, and is able to catch agile insects by run- ning after them. Unlike most birds of prey the Caracara frequently carries food in its beak while flying, though the larger morsels, as well as the nesting material, are usually held in the talons. The flight is strong and elegant and resembles closely that of the turkey-buzzard. DESCRIPTION. General plumage, black, with upper part of back and breast barred with white; lower portion of head, neck, chest, and feathers covering base of tail, soiled white; upper two-thirds of tail white, crossed by _about thirteen to fourteen narrow bars. Length: 20.50 to 25 inches (520 to 635™™); extent, 47 to 49 inches (1194 to 1245™™); wing, 14.50 to 16.50 inches (367 to 419™™); tail, 8.75 to 10 inches (222 to 254™™). Table showing the resulis of examinations of 2 stomachs of Audubon’s Caracara (Polyborus cheriway). = Poultry Locality. Date. or game Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneons. birds. 1 Magélalena, Mex ...... NOE DAT SBD Toco eagckdl Macteniscenseneaes eee eee Maggots; car- rion. Salt River, Arizona ...} Nov.19, 1886 |--.....--.).-------+-ee---55- | Hairs osesscssnes Summary.—Of two stomachs examined, one contained carrion and maggots and the other mammal remains. 7626—No. 3——9 130 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. OSPREY. Pandion haliztus carolinensis. [Plate 18—Adult.] The Fish Hawk or American Osprey inhabits tropical and temperate America, ranging north to Labrador, Hudson Bay, and Alaska. It winters commonly in the southern United States, and in this region it breeds regularly in suitable localities north to the limit of its range. It arrives in southern New York in the latter part of March, and in Lab- rador and the north during the first week in May. The typical species, from which the American bird is scarcely separable, inhabits the whole of Europe, Africa, and northern Asia as far south as India and China. The food of the Osprey consists entirely of fish which it captures, although in rare cases, when hard pressed, it has been known to pick up dead ones from the surface of the water. From the nature of its food, it must of necessity dwell near bodies of water of more or less extent, which are inhabited by an abundance of fish, especially such species as habitually swim in schools near the surface. In some locali- ties, where there are extensive stretches of shallow water inhabited by an abundance of fish, the Fish Hawk often occurs in colonies of several hundred individuals, while in less favorable localities, a pair or so only are found. The writer had exceptionally good opportunities in the lower Hudson Valley, New York, to study the bird while procuring its food, and in no instance was it observed to capture any fish except menhaden, herring, goldfish, or sunfish. When preparing to capture a fish this Hawk descends with great velocity at an acute angle, striking the water breast first, often disappearing under the surface in a mass of foam. The writer knows of one instance where an individual in striking ata fish in Croton Lake, New York, broke its wing. The persons observing its descent, wondering why it did not fly away, rowed up and discov- ered its condition. The season as well as the locality has considerable to do with the kind of fish caught by the Osprey. It has been known to capture shad, catfish, perch, trout, etc. Wilson speaks of a shad a Fish Hawk captured and had partly eaten, which in that condition weighed six pounds. Nuttall states that fish weighing six to eight pounds are sometimes taken by the Osprey. It has been said that the Fish Hawk will occasionally strike a large fish like a bass or sturgeon and, being unable to loosen its hold, is car- ried under and drowned. Large fish with dead Fish Hawks attached have been cast up by the waves on the beach. Although the Osprey feeds exclusively on fish, which in any form are of more or less value to man, with few exceptions, it feeds upon such species as are of the Bull No.3. Diy, Ornithology ANA ratte AUN LCL OSik CALOCTTETUS OSPREY. 131 least use as food. The fishermen, who are the ones most interested, welcome the appearance of this bird in spring, as it indicates the advance of schools of fish and, with few exceptions, they object to its being molested or killed. Fish Hawks are encouraged to nest in the vicinity of the house, not only for the picturesque appearance of the nest and birds, but also because it is believed that they keep off other Hawks which might do damage to the poultry. The nest is occupied for years and, as new material is added each season, it soon becomes a bulky structure, sometimes measuring five feet in diameter. It is composed of large sticks, brush, rubbish of various kinds, including weed or cornstalks, and lined with soft material. such as seaweed, cedar bark, corn leaves, etc.; in exceptional cases it is com- posed almost wholly of kelp or other seaweeds. The nest is placed in trees, on telegraph poles, projections from cliffs, deserted buildings, or on the ground among the reeds or some eminence of the open sea beach. A very large proportion of the nests are situated in trees, usually on the top of the tallest in the neighborhood, and in plain sight from the surrounding country. The tree chosen is in most cases dead at the top; it is said that if a live one be selected, after a few years the portion near the nest dies from contact with the large amount of rub- bish or the oily and saline deposits on it. In a few cases Fish Hawks have been reported to repair their nests before leaving for the south in the autumn. The eggs, which are commonly two or three in number, are deposited at widely different dates in the northern and southern portions of its range. In Florida the full complement of eggs is deposited in January, in New Jersey and Maryland in May, and in Labrador and the North during the latter part of June. The young are slow-growing and remain in the nest a long time after they are fully fledged before attempting to fly, and it is stated that the parents sometimes have to drive them from the nest. The male assists in incubation and also feeds his mate during this period. The Fish Hawk is a gentle bird and never molests other species, even allowing the grackles and night-herons to build their nests and rear young in the interstices of its own nest. Unlike the Eagles itisa brave bird, defending its home against intruders and even attacking man when he molests its eggs or young. The Fish Hawk is very much attached to particular trees to which it resorts to devour the fish captured; oftentimes these may be situated several miles from the body of water furnishing the food supply. The flight, like that of many of the heavier birds of prey, is ordinarily slow and labored, but when soaring or flying high in the air it is not sur- passed by the Eagles, i 132 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. DESCRIPTION. Claws of the same length, narrower and rounder on under side. Above, plain dusky brown, tail more grayish, narrowly tipped with white, and crossed by about six or seven narrow bands of dusky; head, neck, and lower parts white, the chest sometimes slightly blotched with brown; sides of head with dusky stripe, top more or less streaked with dusky. Length: 20.75 to 25 inches (527 to 635™™); extent, 65 to 70.50 inches (1650 to 1790™"); wing, 17 to 21 inches (432 to 533™™); tail, 7 to 10 inches (178 to 254™™), Table showing the resulis of examinations of 12 stomachs of the Kish Hawk (Pandion haliatus carolinensis). Poultry ; Locality. Date. and game’ Other birds. irds. : Mammals. Miscellaneous. Ercildoun, Pa.......-. Oct. 5,1889 ais aan Ohio. Aue 20, 1889 |. West Point, N.Y. Oct. 1, 1873 |. Fish. -| 3 sunfish. -| Yellow perch. -| Fishes. Highland Falls, N May 4, 1874 |. Do. Do .....---- ---| Nov. 25, 1873 }. Goldfish D0 secede tscenins Sept. 8, 1874 Rockland County, N.Y .| Sept. 4 1883 Yavapai County, Ariz.| June 10, 1886 Camp Verde, Ariz ..... Apr. 21,1887 Suckers and bony-tails. Plover Mills, Ont...... Oct. 8, 1884 .| Mullet. Morristown, N.J.....- Oct. 1,1890 Tom cod. Summany.—Of 12 stomachs examined, 11 contained fish, and 1 was empty. BARN OWL. Strix pratincola. [Plate 19—Adult.] The genus Strix, to which our Barn Owl belongs, is chiefly tropical. Both in the northern and southern hemispheres, however it passes into the temperate zones, while the greatest extension of. range from the tropics is reached in western Europe, where a species is found common in the British Isles. Closely related species occur in nearly all warm and temperate parts of the globe. The bird which forms the subject of the present paper is found in the warmer parts of the United States and Mexico, while closely re- lated geographical races occur in the West Indies, Central and South America. . Along the Atlantic coast of the United States it is found casually as far north as southern New England and New York. From southern Virginia south and westward, including the southern tier of States, it is not numerous, although in California it is the most abun- dant Owl. On the Pacitic coast it extends northward into Oregon, and in the Mississippi Valley reaches southern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Bull. No.3. Div, Ornithology Plate IS BARN OWL oO BAliicola. Bonap. BAI BAI BARN OWL. 133 _ Michigan, and has been captured in southern Ontario. [t migrates more or less in the northern part of its range and there is an appreci- able increase in the number of individuals to the southward during the fall months. Soon after the sun has passed the horizon and the first indications of twilight appear, this Owl emerges from its retreat and hurries to the hunting ground. It commonly resorts to the low meadow, prairie, and marsh lands, where its favorite prey abounds. All testimony goes to show that the Barn Owl is one of the most beneficial of rapacious birds. Audubon says of the American species: “After long observation, I am satisfied that our bird feeds entirely on the smaller species of quadrupeds, for I have never found any portions of birds about their nests, not even the remains of a single feather in the pellets which they regurgitate, and which are always formed of the bones and hair of quadrupeds.” (Ornithological Biography, vol. 11, p. 406.) Mr. W. B. Tegetmeier, in an article on the Barn Owl, says: “The utility of the owl is illustrated by Lord Lilford with a very amusing anecdote. He states that when he was a schoolboy he had a half- grown barn owl that he regaled on one occasion with as many mice as it would swallow. Eight in quick succession disappeared down the capacious gullet of the owl, the ninth followed all but the tail, which for some time hung out of the mouth of the bird, but the quick diges- tion of these raptores is well illustrated by the fact that in three hours the owl was ready for a second meal, and took four additional mice. “If this is the performance of a single bird, the effect that the feeding of nests of six or seven young would have on the numbers of rats and mice in a district is self-evident. Lord Lilford says that he has seen a pair of barn owls bring food to their nest no less than seventeen times within half an hour. This rate, if continued for only four hours out of the twenty-four, would give (if we include the animals eaten by the old birds themselves) more than 150 ‘rats and mice and such small deer’ destroyed daily for the support of one nest of owls. Is it surprising that vermin abound where their natural enemies have been extermin- ated by farmers, gamekeepers, and plumassiers? “At this present time, when a plague of rats infest many districts of the country, I need make no excuse for quoting the experience of so sound and practical an ornithologist as the president of the B. O. U,, on the utility of the barn owl.” (Field, vol. Lxxv, No. 1956, June 21, 1890, p. 906.) Its food undoubtedly consists principally of several species of rodents which, from their great numbers and destructive habits, are a curse to the country they inhabit. The pouched gopher is one of the most de- structive of this group, not only to vegetable and grain crops, but also to shade and fruit trees. The depredations in the latter case, which consists in the gnawing or entire removal of the roots, are the more serious as they often result in the total destruction of groves and 134 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. orchards. In California the favorite food of the Barn Owl is:a species of pouched gopher. Al] the stomachs and pellets which we have received from that State contained the remains of this animal. The following extract from a letter by Clark P. Streator, gives import- ant testimony on the subject: “In examining a large number of nests at all months of the year, I have found nothing but gophers [Thomomys]; except on one occasion when there were one or two specimens of Brewer’s blackbird. On further investigation I found a deposit of pellets of nothing but gopher hair and bones which had been ejected by the owls, and had acecumu- lated in a few instances to the extent of two or three cubic feet in the trees in which they had lived. Ialso found thatin the breeding season it was not uncommon to find six or more gophers, that were not eaten by the young, laying about the nest. I have found gophers in the nests at other times than the breeding season, but not in such abundance.” Prof. B. W. Evermann, who has had considerable experience with the bird in California, writes of its food as follows: “Their food consists principally of the gopher (Thomomys talpoides” bulbivorus) and the California ground squirrel (Spermophilus gram- murus beecheyi), both of which are so destructive to growing crops and fruit trees on the Pacific coast. Other small mammals, particularly rabbits, birds, and insects go to make up its bill of fare. * * * This owl is not large, yet it must be a very strong and courageous bird, as evinced by the fact that I have often found in its burrows por- tions of the large jackass hare (Lepus californicus) or ‘narrow-gauged mule,’ as popularly known in California.” (Ornithologist and Odlogist, vol. VII, 1882, pp. 97-98.) In the East its food consists Jargely of mice and rats, which it de- stroys with as much energy as it does the gophers in the West. All the common species, including the meadow, house, and white-footed mice, a8 well as the common rat, are eaten with equal relish. In certain portions of the Southern States where the cotton rat is very numerous and destructive to many of the crops, the Barn Owl, together with several other species of Hawks and Owls as well as a number of predatory mammals, feeds extensively on them. Four ‘pellets’ sent by Dr. W. C. Avery, from Greensboro, Ala., contained nothing except the remains of this mammal. Audubon and Bachman, in their biography of the cotton rat, give the following: “This species supplies a considerable number of animals and birds with food. Foxes and wild-cats especially destroy thousands; we have observed minks coursing along the marshes in pursuit of them, and have frequently seen them with one of these Rats in their mouth. Marsh-hawks and several other species, may be constantly seen in the autumn and winter months sailing over the fields, looking out for the Cotton Rat. No animal in the Southern States becomes more regularly the food of several species of owls than this. The barred owl (Syrnium BARN OWL. 135 nebulosum) is seen as early as the setting of the sun, flitting along the edges of old fields, seeking to make its usual evening meal on it or carry it off as food forits young. We wereinvited some years since to exam- ine the nest of the American barn owl (Strix Americana) in the loft of a sugar refinery in Charleston. ‘There were several young of different sizes, and we ascertained that the only food on which they were fed was this Rat, to obtain which the old birds must have gone several miles.” (Quad. N. A., vol. 1, 1851, p. 231.) The following extract from an article by Charles Dury is interesting not only in showing to what extent the Barn Owl feeds on rats, but also in pointing out its amicable relations with the domesticated pigeons: “In October just past Mr. Biggs observed several large birds tly out of the town hall in Glendale. Three of these were killed and proved to be Barn Owls. Mr. Keys also killed one. On October 15 I received two specimens, male and female, that had been killed near Jones Sta- tion. In the stomach of one was a mouse, and in the other was an orthopterous insect, commonly called “ Katydid” (Cyrtophyllus conca- vus). October 16, Mr. Clifford Allen went to the town hall and placed a ladder up to the tower and climbed up there. There were four owls on a beam looking down at him, and one of these he shot. In this specimen, which was a female, was a nearly grown rat, from which the head had been bitten and the body swallowed entire. Mr. Allen closed the trap-door leading to the tower, and on the 18th I went to Glendale to examine the place. When Mr. Allen went up four owls flew out, one of which was killed, a female. The stomach contained two mice. On going up into the tower I was astonished at the sight presented. The floor and ledges were covered with the cast-up pellets of the birds. It is well known to ornithologists that all raptorial birds swallow much indigestible matter, which is formed into balls in the stomach and afterwards cast up. These are called pellets. In this case they were by hundreds, and covered the floor several inches deep in places. I examined many of them, and found them made up entirely of the hair and bones of the smaller rodents, mostly mice. There must have been the débris of several thousand mice and rats. But the strangest part of the curious habitation was the flock of domestic pigeons that were living seemingly on intimate terms with the owls and, judging from the old pigeon nests, I presume the pigeons had actually nested and reared young there. This seems to show the food of this owl to be almost ex- clusively mice and rats, and proves it to be a species of the greatest eco- nomic value.” (Journ. Cincinnati Soc. Nat. Hist., vol, vi, pp. 237, 238.) Dr. John I. Northrop furnished the following note on the food of this Owl at Andros Island, Bahamas: “On March 25 we found two young ones not yet able to fly, and near by were the remains of the common rat of this island (Mus rattus), As is usual with this species, there was no nest, the birds resting on the ground. Around them for some dis- tance the surface was covered with the rejected food balls, composed 136 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. of the bones and hair of the rodent above mentioned, and, as no other bones were noticed, it is probable that the Owls principal article of diet was rat.” (Auk, vol. viII, 1891, p. 75.) The following in relation to the food of a family of owls found in a church steeple on Long Island is given by Mr. William Dutcher: “The floor on which they were was in a filthy condition, covered with pellets, and dead rats and mice in all stages of decomposition. There were also one young muskrat and some moles.” (Auk, vol. 111, 1886, p. 440.) ' During the summer of 1890 a pair of Barn Owls occupied one of the towers of the Smithsonian building in the city of Washington, where they reared seven young. On June 28, the writer ascended to their home and found the young more than half-grown. The floor was strewn with pellets, and the nest, which was in one corner, was com- posed of a mags of broken-down ones. An examination of 200 of these pellets gave a total of 454 skulls. Of these, 225 were meadow mice; 2, pine mice; 179, house mice; 20, rats; 6, jumping mice; 20, shrews; 1, star-nosed mole, and 1, vesper sparrow (Poocetes gramineus). Among other mammals on which it feeds more or less commonly, may be mentioned bats, shrews, and moles. Dr. Bernhard Altum, a number of years ago, examined 703 pellets disgorged by this species, and found a total of 2,551 skulls. Of these, 16 were bats; 3, rats; 930, mice; 1,579, shrews; 1, mole; 19, English sparrows, and 3, other birds. (Journal f, Ornithologie, 1863, pp. 43 and 217.) Mr. W. B. Barrows, in a paper on birds of the Lower Uruguay (Auk, vol. I, 1884, p. 29), states that at night the deserted corridors of the col- lege was one of this Owl’s favorite hunting grounds for bats. A stomach of a specimen from Louisiana, examined by Dr. F. W. Langdon, contained the remains of 4 shrews (Blarina) and 4 mice (Hes- peromys). (Journ. Cincinnati Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. rv, p. 152.) It is the exception for this owl to feed on birds, and probably it rarely does so except when other food is scarce. In one stomach only of those examined by the writer have the remains of birds been found. The following species of mammals and birds were positively identified among the stomach contents: MAMMALS, Thomomys umbrinus. Mus decumanus. Mus musculus. Condylura cristata. Perodipus ordii. Sitomys eremicus. Sitomys americanus. Onychomys melanophrys. Baroy sbeiiai Arvicola riparius. Reithrodontomys. Arvicola pinetorum. BIRDS, Blarina exilipes. Molothrus ater. Blarina brevicauda, Poocetes gramineus, Sigmodon hispidus, Passerina amena, Zapus hudsonius. Pipilo aberti, BARN OWL. 137 Among the large number of skulls of different animals found by Dr. Altum only 22 belonged to birds, of which 19 were those of the worthless English sparrow. The Barn Owl, like the other Owls, is fond of fish, and their remains have been found in its stomach. An interesting case in which the owl caught its own fish is cited by Seebohm: ‘Waterton records an in- stance, which he saw himself, of a Barn Owl (lropping down into a pond like an osprey and flying off with a fish.” (Hist. British Birds, vol. 1, 1883, p. 150.) Insects are more or less often taken, for Prof. Aughey found a considerable number in all the specimens which he examined in Nebraska. It breeds sparingly in all suitable localities throughout the territory which it inhabits, and in the Southwest, particular in Southern Cali- fornia, it breeds abundantly. Owing to the extensive range of the bird the nesting season varies widely. Thus, Prof. B. W. Evermann found full complements of eggs at Santa Paula, Cal., in February, while in southeastern Texas, H. Nehrling found eggs in the early part of May; in Florida, Maynard found that it nested in March, April, and May. Except in the more northern parts of its range, where it breeds as late as June, it is probable that the majority of eggs are deposited in March. In Europe the Barn Owl breeds more commonly in old ruins, church belfries, cavities in the abutments of bridges, and old walls. In Amer- ica, where few suitable ruins and open belfries exist, such nesting sites are comparatively uncommon. The most usual nesting site in the West is in eavities in the sides of gullies, which in California are called barrancas. These barrancas are nothing more than miniature cajions, formed in the rainy season by torrents of water washing away the earth. The walls are nearly perpendicular and contain innumerable cavities. Some authors think the birds partially excavate the nesting site, but this seems to be doubtful, and if the holes are enlarged by artificial means it is probably by some rodent. Crevices in rocky cliffs are also used, as well as hollows in stubs and trees, and on one occasion Prof. Evermann found a pair using the deserted nest of a crow (Or- nithologist and Odlogist, vol. vit., April, 1882, p. 109). This instance of the use of a deserted nest is the only one which has come to the writer’s notice, and the habit must be extremely rare. In the East the habit of nesting in buildings is more frequent than elsewhere in the United States, though various other locations are also chosen. Barns, churches, cupolas of town halls, and ice-houses are used, and in the city of Washington a pair breeds in one of the towers of the Smith- sonian Institution. The nest proper when placed in a cavity, whether of a tree or a bank, is usually nothing more than a few feathers from the parent bird, together with the accidental material found in the hollow. If placed in a building it is more bulky, and is composed generally of the mis- cellaneous rubbish which collects in such places, combined with the 138 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. remains of the broken pellets dropped by the birds. The number of eggs in a nest is usually from four to seven, though Prof. Evermann found sets containing as many as ten in Ventura County, Cal. Un- doubtedly, as with other species, the number of eggs depends upon the food supply, the number being greatest where food is most abundant. The period of incubation is from three to three and one-half weeks. As a@ bird will occasionally begin to set soon after the first egg is deposited and as eggs are laid on alternate days, the last one will not hatch until two weeks after the first. This habit accounts for the great difference in size in individuals of the same family. When the cavity containing the nest is large enough both birds usually occupy it. Unlike most of our Owls, which are hardy northern species, endur- ing very low temperatures with impunity, the Barn Owl seems to be unable to withstand much cold weather; in all probability it some- times perishes in the northern part of its range, when overtakeh by severe weather, before being able to migrate. This Owl is one of the most distinctively nocturnal of the tribe, but like all the others it can see perfectly well in the brightest day- light, when for any reason it is required to leave its retreat. It usually sleeps during the day, sitting upright in a dark nook or crevice, in the shadow of a bridge or among the dense foliage of some grove or reedy marsh. Except in the breeding season the Barn Owl may be con- sidered more or less gregarious, families of seven or ten individuals being often found together, and colonies of fifty or more have been observed. Besides its shrieking or screeching note, which is heard more often in spring, it has a nasal one which has been termed a ‘snore’ The peculiar and almost ludicrous expression of the physiognomy of this bird, as it sits upright with half-closed eyes, has suggested to the minds of many a fanciful resemblance to a monkey; hence the origin of the name ‘ Monkey-faced Owl,’ which is a common appellation for the bird in many parts of the country, especially Florida. In this State the credulous have been led to believe that certain birds with monkeys’ heads exist in the remote recesses of the Everglades. The plumage of this bird is even softer and more silky than that of the other Owls, and its flight, if possible, is more silent. DESCRIPTION. Facial disk not circular, but somewhat triangular. Middle and inner claws of equal length; inner edge of middle claw jagged; wing long, reaching beyond tail when folded; tail about half the length of wing. Color.—Above, ochraceous-yellow, more or less marbled with white or ashy, and speckled with black, and sometimes with white spots. Below, varying in every degree from silky white to bright tawny, dot- ted with black spots. Eyes small, black. BARN OWL. 139 Length: 15 to 20 inches (381 to 508™™); extent, about 45 inches (1143""); wing, 13 to 14 inches (330 to 355™™); tail, 5.75 to 7.5 inches (145 to 190™™), Table showing the results of examinations of 39 stomachs of the Barn Owl (Strix pratincola). Poultry : Locality. Date. or ens Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. birds. Chickamanga, Tenn ..} Nov. 27, 1885}.....-.... Cowbird, spar- |..-......-+-...4-- Tow. Chester County, Pa...) May 21, 1886 DO ss2azssimais-%a8 Dec. 8, 1886 Dixon County, Nebr ..; Aug. —, 1867 39 locusts, 22 other insects. Dakota County, Nebr.| July —, 1868!....... 0.0). 002.22 e cece cece fence ce eee cen eee eee 55 insects. Lancaster Co., Nebr ..| June —, 1872 -| Mouse.....-....| 40 insects. Gainesville, Fla....... Feb. 4, 1887 2 Craton rats, 2 shrews. Waskjngton, D. C..... Duly, 25,1888" sacaescaesluasaceawscese as 1 meadow mouse, 2jumping mice. Poway Valley, Cal....| Mar.17, 1888 |........2.|----20.20eee eee ee 1 pocket gopher. Do ssscsciseearsed --+-dO ...... : 2 pouched go- phers. 1 pocket gopher. 1 pocket mouse, 8 harvest mice, 1 white-footed mouse. DO iseacevcececss WsesiO? steeds aeswte ne Se lees semen Se ceadseda 1 pocket rat, 2 small mam - mals. DG cccctnanemnwan d 1 pocket gopher. -| 1 wood rat, mouse. 1 pocket rat.... 1 small rodent. . 1 pocket gopher. Small mammals, lharvest mouse, ‘ 1 pocket gopher. meadow mice. San Bernardino, Cal...| Jan. 7, 1886 Do do Woodland, Cal .... 2 field mice..... 2 grasshoppers, 3 other insects. Rockville, Md......... NOVWs,: 1, 1889 icc sa awisien|secsame veers eescicis Jumping mouse, meadow mouse, } white-footed mouse. Sandy Spring, Md..... Nov. 2,1889!. 2 meadow mice. Newport, N.C.-..- INOW. pA B80 rare rs amare eaetanca saytawedoe eres Seicmiedind oicsec ose Empty. Camp Verde, Ariz May 31, 1884 Kangaroo rat, white-footed monse. Do ........-..--.| July 27, 1885 }.......... Lazuli finch ....| Small rodents... July 29, 1885 cl emacweauauss vepaamlsacdyacwoecicactme Do. d Small mammals. Pocket gopher. Sees ceueee Reet cs Do. Grasshopper mice. Morristown, N.J f Meadow mouse. Little Creek, Del i COL i cctepenceulinasuesessbeseremelnssaaccceccensrney Do. Leesville, Conn .......} Jan. 11,1891 )..........)....2..----2--eee- |e secs eeec eee, Do. Washington, D.C 4 house mice. ... DO, ose onmee sennas, 3 meadow mice, . 3 shrews. Kern River, Cal....... July 4,1891 Do. DO ss seicetasiwenied sates 10s sane ce Do. SumMMARY.—Of 39 stomachs examined, 1 contained poultry; 3, other birds; 17, mice; 17, other mam- mals; 4, insects, and 7 were empty. 140 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. LONG-EARED OWL. Asio wilsonianus. [Plate 20—Adult.] The Long-eared Owl inhabits the whole of temperate North America ranging south to the table lands of Mexico. In the North it is plentiful in the Saskatchewan and Hudson Bay districts, and Richardson ob- served it as far as the sixty-first parallel and thought it extended to the limit of trees. Along the Atlantic coast it is found from Nova Scotia to Florida, and is more or less common in the intervening coun- try westward to the Pacific. Mr. Henshaw thinks it is the most com- mon species in Utah, and Mr. Ridgway found it in almost every willow copse from the coast of California eastward into Nevada. There are no records from central and northern Alaska, though probably it occurs commonly in the southern part of the Territory. A representative species is found throughout the temperate parts of Europe and Asia, as well as northern Africa. The Long-eared Owl is one of our most beneficial species, destroying vast numbers of injurious rodents and seldom touching insectivorous birds. The birds killed by it are mostly seed-eating species, which do not benefit the agriculturist to any great extent. As this Owl is readily destroyed, it is the one that suffers most when short-sighted legislators enact laws for the destruction of birds of prey. It will be seen from the following testimony that it is both cruel and pernicious to molest a bird so valuable and innocent as the one under consideration. Audubon says: “It preys chiefly on quadrupeds of the genus Arvic- ola and in summer destroys many beetles.” (Ornith. Biography, vol. Iv, p. 573.) Nuttall remarks: “Besides mice and rats this species also preys on field mice, moles and beetles.” (Land Birds, 1832, p. 131.) Mr. H. W. Henshaw says: “Their food consists almost exclusively of field mice, of which they kill vast numbers, a fact which should earn them the protection of the farmer.” (Report of the Chief of Engi- neers, U.S. A., 1877, p. 1311.) Mr. Townend Glover says: ‘The stomach of one specimen of the Long-eared Owl in the collection contained the skulls and bones of at least 8 field mice, and therefore, when about barns and granaries, these birds must be very useful.” (U.S. Agi. Rept., 1865, p. 37.) Capt. Charles E. Bendire, writing from Camp Harney, Oregon, states: “Their food consists principally of mice and the smaller rodents.” (Ornithologist and Oologist, vol. v1, 1882, p. 82.) ? Dr. B. H. Warren gives the following: “I have examined the stom- achs of twenty-three Long-eared Owls and found that twenty-two of them had fed only on mice; the other examination made of a speci- men taken late in the spring showed some beetles and portions of a small bird.” (Birds of Pennsylvania, 1888, p. 107.) Bull. No.3. Div. Ormitholosy Plate 20 Sie ey WA ies 2 ~ ~ - = i ee. “ON GHEARED OWL ger A/D SN GrOTbbo elas. (Less) LONG-EARED OWL. 141 This Owl is preéminently a mouser, but it also destroys some insects and probably small batrachians and reptiles. In April, 1888, at Munson Hill, Va., a thickly wooded country about 8 miles from the city of Washington, the writer collected some fifty or more pellets under a tree where one of these Owls had roosted all winter. From this mass were gleaned 176 skulls or parts of skulls, representing the following species: 95 meadow mice (Arvicola riparius); 19 pine mice (A. pinetorum); 15 house mice (Mus musculus); 5 white-footed mice (Sitomys americanus); 3 Cooper’s mice (Synaptomys coopert); 23 little short tailed shrews (Blarina ewxilipes); 3 short-tailed shrews (B. brevi- cauda carolinensis); and 13 birds, of which 11 were sparrows, 1 a blue- bird, and the other a warbler. It might be stated in this connection that the remains of Cooper’s mice found on this occasion was the first inti- mation that the species occurred anywhere in the vicinity. The following species of mammals and birds were positively identified among the stomach contents: MAMMALS, BIRDS. Perognathus penicillatus. Spinus tristis. Mus musculus. Spizella monticola. Sitomys americanus. Junco hyemalis. Evotomys gapperi. Melospiza georgiana, Arvicola riparius. Melospiza fasciata. Arvicola pinetorum., Dendroica coronata. Synaptomys cooperi. Regulus satrapa. Blarina b. carolinensis, Turdus swainsoni. Blarina exilipes. Sialia sialis. Sorex. The Long-eared Owl breeds in suitable localities throughout its range. Its nest is usually a remodeled nest of some bird or mammal, more often of the hawk, crow, magpie, and heron, and occasionally that of the squirrel. The remodeling commonly consists in making the top more or less even and in the addition of a few evergreen twigs, leaves, or feathers as a lining. The situation, of course, varies; some nests are in high trees, others in low trees and bushes, while a few have been found on the ground. But one instance of this species nest- ing in hollow trees has come to our knowledge, and this is related by Capt. Bendire as occurring at Fort Lapwai, Idaho, and is as follows: “Two pairs of birds took up their quarters in an old Magpie’s nest, and two others in hollow cottonwood trees. In one of the last cases a Red-shafted Flicker had excavated a hole directly over the one occu- pied by the Owls, and the two entrance holes, although on different sides of the stump, which was only about twelve feet high, were not over two feet apart. These birds seemed to live harmoniously together,” (Ornithologist and Oologist, vol. VI, 1882, p. 81.) Like many other birds of prey its nesting habits have been modified in some parts of the West by the absence of trees, for in many places it 142 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. breeds in common with other species in the precipitous cliffs bordering the cafions. Whether it ever builds its own nest, especially those which are found on the ground or in the cliffs, is an open question. The eggs are from three to six in number, five being the most common, in theexperience of the writer. Throughout the middle ofits range the eggs are deposited usually from the latter part of March to the first week in April, and toward the northern limit it is probably the last of April before the sets are completed. In the southern part of California it nests considerably earlier, as full sets of eggs are found by the lat- latter part of February. Capt. Bendire states that the period of incu- bation is about three weeks. In June the young leave the nest and may be seen with the old birds in some dark retreat. While the female is sitting the male is usually near by, either on the edge of the nest beside her, on a branch of the same or an adjoining tree or occasionally on the ground underneath. This species, like the Screech Owl, is nocturnal in its habits, and differs from the Short-eared Owl in never hunting during the daytime. It usually spends the day in some evergreen woods, thick willow copse, or alder swamp, although rarely it may be found in open places. On one occasion in October, in the vicinity of Boston, the writer, in com- pany with Messrs. John H. Sage and H. A. Purdie, found one of these birds sleeping among some small deciduous trees which had lost most of their leaves. Throughout the eastern part of the United States, solitary birds, or less frequently a pair, are usually found during the winter months, while it is common to find small bands or families of six or seven together in summer and early fall. In certain parts of the West the species is gre- garious and often as numerous as the Barn Owl. Mr. H. W. Henshaw says: ‘“Itseems to be a habit with this species in the West to congregate together and form colonies, often made up of a large number of individuals. I have, however, noticed this to be inost frequently the case in regions where timber was scarce, and doubt- less this lack of places suited to the necessities of their nature, which requires them to pass the hours of daylight in some dark, secluded re- treat, furnishes the reason for this apparent sociability. In Grass Valley, Utah, I thus found at least a dozen individuals together in a small grove of cedars, and nearly every tree contained one of their nests, rudely made of coarse sticks, while soine supported two or three. The birds were roosting on the low branches in the darkest portions of the clump, and they were generally so well concealed that I saw them only as they dashed hurriedly out when I was close upon their retreats” (Explor. West of the 100 Merid., Wheeler, vol. v, 1875, p. 403). And Capt. Bendire speaks of seeing some fifteen or more on a single mesquit tree, near Rillito Creek, Arizona. Although quiet during the day, and apparently indisposed to ven- ture into the strong light, when started it is able to thread its way LONG-EARED OWL. 143 rapidly through the most intricate passages and to evade obstructions, demonstrating that its vision is in no way defective. The bird is not wild, and will allow itself to be closely approached. When conscious that its presence is recognized it sits upright, draws the feathers close to the body and erects the ear tufts, resembling in appearance a piece of weather-beaten bark more than a bird. It makes a very gentle and interesting pet, and will afford great amusement by its numerous antics. An individual which the writer once had would allow itself to be dressed in a doll’s hood and shawl by the children. When too roughly handled it would fly to the top of a door, though in a few minutes it would return to them and appeared to be interested in all the details of their play. Mr. F. H. Carpenter (Ornithologist and Oologist, vol. VIII, 1883, p. 62) mentions a peculiar habit in one of these Owls which he reared from the nest. Seeing a basket of chaff which it had learned to know contained young mice, the bird would draw each of its claws through its bill, and, as soon as the material was placed oun the floor of the apartment, would fly down and begin the search, scratching after the manner of a hen, at the same time keeping up a contented preening noise. Like the other Owls, its flight is slow and wavering, but in common with thein it is buoyant and devoid of any appearance of heaviness. The note of this Owl is said by some to resemble the noise made by kittens, while others state it is like the barking of small dogs. DESCRIPTION. Ear tufts conspicuous, containing eight to ten feathers, and about as long as middle toes with claw. Color.—Above dusky, mottled with gray, tawny, and blackish; below grayish white with confused marbling of brown, black, and tawny, many feathers with a median longitudinal dusky stripe which gives off transverse bars. Feet and legs tawny and unspotted. Length: 13 to 16 inches (330 to 406™™); extent, about 39 inches (990™™); wing, 11 to 12 inches (280 to 305™™); tail, 5.50 to 6.50 inches (140 to 165"), Table showing the results of examinations of 107 stomachs of the Long-cared Owl (Asio wilsonianus). Poultry Locality. Date. engamn Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. Ards. Coahuila Valley, Cal | Apr. 1, 1886 | occ yea eofeus see seanwenvensy 2 pocket mice . .. Washington, D.C ..... Mar. 27,1887 '...-.-.--. Song sparrow-...| Meadow mouse . t Sheepphead Bay, L.I., : Nov. 2, 1886 ;...-...... Junco, kinglet..|....do ........... Washington, D.C ....' Mar. 16, 1887 |..-..-.---)...-00 cence cece enlace nec cnneneeeccee ce Sandy Spring, Md... Mares 8; 1889 |i accede benciieratt atatonaceelteewecerteuepseci. aa DO.2eesaed ---| Mar. 12, 1887 |.... Meadow mouse . i Do... Mar: 18.188 \nciaccasinsl ance eeecwasiseeu| ac epeceueiaccnccc Do. Do Nov: 10/1887 (uccenaacing fos saseesecendinn dl asanometente nes... Do. Do... ---;Jdan. 7,1888|...-....-. 2 meadow mice... a Chester County, Pa ...j Jam. 11, 1887 |...--.----)-----eeeeeeeeee eee Meadow mouse, 3 house mice, 144 Table showing the results of examinations of 107 stomachs of the Long-eared Owl THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. (Asio wilsonianus)—Continned. Poultry Locality. Date. a game Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. rds. Chester County Pa....| Nov. 20, 1886 Meadow mouse . wieaiwsressresta Dec. 11, 1886 sxeeOOscaxieca see De aeaeteeees -| Jan. 2 1887 é dmesdew ice. ‘i DO -nsessexscece! secs OO gence White-footed mouse, mead- ow mouse. DO dandae npineweas |eean eae eee Meadow mouse. DO scescesvesizens Dec. 18, 1836 White-footed mouse, 2 meadow mice, shrew. Woodstock, Conn ..... June; 1887 deccsceeseclewieneesws seasons 4 meadow mice. Boston, Mass........-. Oct. 13, 1287 !.......... Speer war- | Meadow mouse. : er. Montgomery Co., Pa..! Dec. 26, 1887 ;...-.-....].---2---2 222 e ee ee Sing Sing, aici Apr. 29, 1880 -.......-.- Goldfinch, 2 spar- rows. He sidisinicarays civlacierlie cigs elevate ciel swimnierslaecatalllsptea acclarmaae aacheleixtiere Chest county, Pa. ‘Nov. 25; 1886 wine emacs ex eeistes Dec. Feb. Dakote pants Nebr - a N.Y Tioga, Pa. es Ehnira, N. Y.- Poway Valle Woodville, inn Jefferson River, Mont - Washington, D.C Fairfax County, Va... Hels Utah. ollis. Ea neen County, -do : ‘July 4, 1887 -| Sept. 2, 1887 Dec. .| Apr. Lake ohne: Suffolk , ee 30, 1889 County, N.Y. Fort Hamilton, Long Island, N. Y. Newtown, Conn . Indiana .. Litchfield, C Sheepshead Bay, Island, N. Y. Story Count; Beaibsclaee , Towa ... founty, aaiaen County, N.Y. Washington County, Oct. Apr. “Oct. | od uly Nov. Oct., Dec. Nov. Oct. Dec. Oct. ‘ Nov. 10, 1878 .. -do Nov. . 12,1888 21, 1887 16, 1888 4, 1889 15, 1889 5, 1886 22, 1880 |. 5, 1879 |- 2, 1880 |. 9, 1880 29, 1880 |- . 23, 1883 1, 1885 |. 2; 1886 1883 12, 1878 28, 1884 18, 1880 ‘| White-footed : Empty. Do. mouse. House mouse, white-footed mouse. 2 meadow mice.. Meadow mouse. White-footed made: “Whit e-footed mouse, mead- ow mouse. Meadow mouse, 2 shrews. Meedom mice. .. Mouse... -, Few insects Div Ornitholody 5) ae ‘ty Eales By) ewe en, Kain, eli TT COS a a tee Ahan ame L800 LOCOCPIUAT TIL OWL SHORT-EARED OWL. 145 Table showing the results of examinations of 107 stomachs of the Long-eared Owl (Asio wilsonianus)—Continued. Poultry Locality. Date. ne pane Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds Albany County, N. ¥.-| Nov. 20, 1887 |......0---|--+-0+----2 seen es Squirrel, mice.. Rensselaer County, |May 6,1889|.-.....---- SPAaLVO WS) e222): | are neeesmavicesess N.Y. Gaylordsville, Conn ...| Oct. 15, 1889 )......-.-- Sebi WALES |Hsetweweecienensne er. Ercildoun, Pa ..-..-.-. Dec. 31,1889 Pong island City, N. ¥ | Oct. 29, 1888 |. : i: Do ........-----.| Oct. 16,1888 ]-......... Song sparrow, 2 |....-.-----..--++- other sparrows. Huntington, N.Y ..-.. SATs. 2B), 1890) | sawincis acc |eesaceuexcscce casas 2 meadow mice, 1 pine mouse. Sandy A a Md...-. Mar. 14,1890 |.....-----)------- 2-2 ee eee eee Be maa DOsessd eo. 2ccaseis|s5e 200 cance é Sparrow - 5 . May 9; TBR) |aewinwas.siaa|ecaieire sie Apr. 9,1880 June 23, 1880 Circleville Ohio....... Dec. 7, 1881 Camp Verde, Ariz ....| Jan. 2, 1886 Dordsenaies anceee Feb. 20, 1886 i eee 7 London, Ontario. ...-.-- Oct. 16,1890 |.......--- Song sparrow...| 2 meadow mice, lred-backed mouse. Selden, Suffolk County, | May 30,1889 |.-..------)------------------ Meadow mouse, N.Y. pine mouse. Keokuk, Towa..-...--- Oct. 28, 1888 Monse... Do ..------------ Nov. 17,1889 -, 4mice eanoy SEYINEs Md..... Nov. Bs 1890 i Steen suze eesiese QO seisicwes! Morristown, N.J ..... ‘Oct. “8, 1890 Horse Hill, N.J ....--. Oct. 27, 1890 Doiseeowres --| Nov. 5, 1890 2 meadow mice. - Washington, D. C..... Feb. 2,1891 Meadow mouse. - Sandy Spring, Md .-.. | Dec. 31,1890 Do. DOisiaissccoraranes-gectes Nov. 24, 1891 Do. Lancaster County, Pa .| Dec. 16, 1891 2meadow mice. . D0. sseescescienne ee es 2 meadow mice, 1 white-footed mouse. Do Dec. 17, 1891 -| Pine mouse..... Do .| Nov. 10, 1891 Do -| Nov. 16, 1891 Do .| Dee. 17, 1891 Rutland, -| May 23, 1892 |. a pa ofegg shell. SuMMARY. —Of 107 stomachs examined, 1 contained a game bird; 15, other birds; 84, mice; 5, other Mammals; 1, insects and 15 were empty. SHORT-EARED OWL. Asio accipitrinus. [Plate 21—Adult.] The Short-eared Owl is a bird of extended distribution, ranging over the greater part of both hemispheres. In Africa it has been found as far south as Abyssinia in winter. It has not been recorded from Australia. In a northerly direction it reaches the southern part of the Arctic regions at about the 69th parallel, from whence southward it probably breeds more or less commonly in favorable localities through- out its range, though as a summer resident it is rare in most parts of eastern United States. The food of this Owl consists largely of mice and other small mammals. A number of species of insects, birds, and reptiles also may be men- 7626—No. 3——10 146 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES, tioned as occasionally contributing to its fare. Fully 75 per cent of the stomachs examined in the Department of Agriculture contained moice. The remains of as many as six of these little mammals were found in one stomach, and several contained three or four each. Prof. F. E. L. Beal reported finding nothing but mice in the stomachs of a pair which he killed in Story County, Iowa. They were shot in an artificial grove swarming with small birds. Mr. Austin F. Park, of Troy, N. Y., in a report on the food of Hawks and Owls, which he kindly sent to this Department, mentions mice and no other kind of food as found in the stomachs of this species. Of the other mammals which this Owl feeds upon may be mentioned shrews, gophers, and sometimes small rabbits. Shrews are not un- common in the stomach contents. Dr. J. C. Merrill, in mentioning the food of this bird at Fort Klamath, Oregon, says: “In one specimen a pellet ready for regurgitation contained ten nearly perfect skulls of a shrew, a species of which, and field mice, were nearly always found in the stomachs.” (Auk, vol. v, April, 1888, p. 146.) Unfortunately we have been unable to procure stomachs of this Owl from the western plains which are infested with ground squirrels and gophers, hence we do not know to what extent it feeds upon these rodents. Mr. G. F. Brenninger, of Beattie, Kans., states (Ornith. and Oologist, x1, 1886, 167) that the food of this species consists chiefly of mice, insects and ground squirrels. It does not feed as extensively on insects as either the Barred or Screech Owls, but there are reports enough on the subject to show that grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles at times form a considerable part of its food. It is quite exceptional for this Owl to feed upon birds. Out of ninety stomachs examined by us at the Department ten contained bird remains. A notable violation of its usual habit of feeding upon mice may be quoted from Mr. William Brewster, as follows: “A small colony of these birds had established itself upon a certain elevated part of the island [Muskegat]. spending the day ina tract of densely matted grass. Scattered about in this retreat were the remains of at least a hundred Terns, that they had killed and eaten. Many of these were fresh, while others were in every stage of decomposition, or dried by the sun and wind. In each case the breast had been picked clean, but in no in- stance was any other portion disturbed. Every day at a certain time these Owls sallied forth in search of fresh prey. We used regularly to see them about sunset, sailing in circles over the island or beating along the crests of the sand hills. They were invariably followed by vast mobs of enraged Terns, which dived angrily down over the spot where the Owl had alighted, or strung out in the wake of his flight like the tail of a comet. The Owl commonly paid little attention to this unbidden following, and apparently never tried to seize his persecutors while on the wing, but on several occasions we saw a sitting bird pounced.upon and borne off. Sometimes in the middle of the night a SHORT-EARED OWL. 147 great outcry among the Terns told where a tragedy was being enacted.” (Bull Nutt. Ornith. Club, vol. 1v, 1879, p. 19.) The following important evidence of the economic value of the Short- eared Owl] is from the fourth edition of Yarrell’s British Birds (vol. Iv, p. 165): “ Undoubtedly field mice, and especially those of the short-tailed group or voles, are their chief objects of prey, and when these animals increase in an extraordinary and unaccountable way, as they sometimes do, so as to become extremely mischievous, owls, particularly of this species, flock to devour them. Thus there are records of ‘asore plague of strange mice’ in Kent and Essex in the year 1580 or 1581, and again in the county last mentioned in 1648. In 1754 the same thing is said to have occurred at Hilgay, near Downham Market, in Norfolk, while within the present century the Forest of Dean, in Gloucestershire, and some parts of Scotland have been similarly infested. In all these cases owls are mentioned as thronging to the spot and rendering the greatest service in extirpating the pests. The like has also been observed in Scandinavia during the wonderful irruptions of lemmings and other small rodents to which some districts are liable, and it would appear that the Short-eared Owl is the species which plays a principal part in getting rid of the destructive horde. An additional fact of some interest was noticed by Wolley, namely, that under such circumstances the owls seem to become more prolific than usual.” The following species of mammals and birds have been positively identified among the stomach contents: MAMMALS, BIRDS. Arvicola austerus. Agelaius pheniceus. Arvicola pinetorum, Quiscalus quiscula @neus. Arvicola riparius, Pooceates. Blarina brevicauda, Spizella pusilla. Sitomys americanus, Junco hyemalis. Mus musculus, Melospiza georgiana. Sorex. Passerella iliaca. Reithrodontomys. Passer domesticus, Lepus sylvaticus. Merula migratoria. Sigmodon hispidus, The nest is a rough affair made of coarse grass and sticks, loosely drawn together and sparsely lined with fine material and feathers from the parent bird. It is placed on the ground, often in a depression made to receive it, under some bush or among high grass. In exceptional cases it has been found in a clump of low bushes, or otherwise slightly elevated. The eggs, which are from three to five in number, are depos- ited in April or May, according to the latitude of the nesting grounds. The Short-eared Owl] is pre-eminently a bird of the open couutry, in- cluding the coast marshes and islands covered by bushes and high grass. In the United States it is much more common in winter, receiving large reinforcements from the North. During this season of the year single individuals are usually met with, or less often small colonies, 148 composed of four or five birds. Possibly these are families which have never been separated, having migrated in company from their nesting grounds. Large colonies, containing several hundred individuals, have been known to congregate in some desirable locality to spend the winter, and it is stated that they occasionally breed in considerable colonies. THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. DESCRIPTION. Ear tufts inconspicuous, much shorter than middle toe with claws. Color: Whole plumage varying from bright tawny to buffy white, with conspicuous dark brown stripes. Length: 13.75 to 17 inches (350 to 432™™); extent, about 43 inches (1092""); wing, 12 to 13 inches (305 to 330™™); tail, 5.75 to 6.10 inches (145 to 155™™), Table showing the results of examinations of 101 stomachs of the Short-eared Owl (Asio accipitrinus). -| Mar. 5, 1887 |. wd -| Mouse Poultry Locality. Date. “ game Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. ITs. Washington, D. C..... Nov. 22, 1886 |.......--- 2 juncos, 1 fox |....-.-eeeeeeeeeee sparrow. - Oakdale, N. Y..--.--.- Nov. 27, 1886 Mouse.......-.- Rockville, Conn . -| Oct. 22, 1886 |. ---| 2 meadow mice.. Do ccasisze 5 | Seed Oliarsroecacal ---| Mouse hair ..... Koshkonong, Wis..... Sept. 25, 1886 |. --| Meadow mouse - Washington, D. C..... Apr. 20, 1887 |... -| 3 meadow mice . : ENO: New Bruns- | Sept. 3) 1887 2 meadow mice - ick. ‘ Washington, D.C Jan. —, 1887 1 meadow mouse Ove asciewinis aes -| Mar. 28, 1887 |... beaexingtaeoeseeess Hackensack, N. J Mar. 31, 1887 2 meadow mice, 1 shrew. South Windsor, Conn -.| Mar. 29, 1887 |. -| Sparrow - .| 2 meadow mice Do ..-- --do ---do Do Bee 4 meadow mice - Washing ton, -| 1 meadow mouse saa ury, Conn....| Nov. 23, 1886 |......----|------ 2-2-2 e cece ee leer cee eee Empty. wie aie sigs cima eee Otani secdercigeh alccem seach anmemoetin| vac aeclctmesiains, 10. East Hater Conn . area 11; W886 seecre sen moeercceme see -| 4 meadow mice - sioebises sisi Siieieioee Nov. 2. 1886 |... vesceeeeees--| 3 meadow mice - pelty Spring, Ma.. Jan. 28, 1887 |..-.--.---)----------- ++ -| Meadow mouse - syarciajoverafaseuateeisimtaseisieseis Do. Geox dein) Nemtenare Do. sGiseas -| Mouse aiccinrersiei -| 2 meadow mice - sid cnmioareiesiatl aoumine canis aces eis Do. sissions ateaor mouse sees ae Pine. mouse..... .{ 3 meadow mice - -| 1 meadow mouse Do. Do.. Jan. 5, 1880 Re . Dakota County, Nebr..| July —, 1870 |...-.-.-..|.-----------+-- : 17 insects. Lincoln, Nebr Sept.—, 1868 |..........).. 22 e eee Gopher .. 30 locusts. Elmira, N. Y.. 55) UGS 1S ABBA ie ccee ecu Rosca hoes tect Field mice. Beetle Oyen acing Bh UQGGN sea scce,215;¢,ailinsien eeciischejsichie tials oe -d0 .... Do. OF easrans aera, lA AL “16, VRBO 6 sie crapncd ss ctha.aisisid eleceigraleceve erqraieself oss .do . Do. Erin, a W. seceee A OCbs. <5, V88Tecccontsns mceeeuuveceasicscuel|s ..do. Do. ee eei Aeon Dec. 29,1887 |... suid iel Do. Kings Wotnity, N.Y.. Stratford, Conn........ Sandy Spring, Ma -! Dec. 26, 1887 Nov. 3, 1888 Dec. 10, 1888 -do 4° white-footed mice, 2 house mice, 1 shrew. Meadow mouse. «| Mouse hair ...,, SHORT-EARED OWL. 149 Table showing the results of examinations of 101 stomachs of the Short-eared Owl (Asio accipitrinus)—Continued. Poultry Locality. Date. oe gene Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds, St. George, Utah ...... Jan. 8, 1889 |.....-.-+-|----0- Batis Shaders White-footed mouse, har- vest mouse. Washington, D.C ..... Mar. 18, 1889 j.......--- Fox sparrow, |....-------e.--ee- and another Lawrence, Qe eens | Jan. 12,1889 -| 3meadow mice... County, N Hancock County, Iowa| July 15, 1889 |. .....-.--|---------2ee seen ee 2 meadow mice, 2 shrews. Seneiseie desis July 18, 1889 2 meadow mice.. Chestar Count -| Nov. 28, 1882 IO scasceuiresels Jersey City, N.J.....- Oct. 14, 1888 .| Meadow mouse - Story oie Ae Iowa... | Oct. —, 1883 -| Mouse hair ..... Do .| Jan, —, 1883 Nov. 11, 1886 |. -| Nov. 8, 1887 |.... . --| Nov. 12, 1887 |. - -| Empty. Do .. -| Jan. 12,1888 Cincinnati, Ohio. -| Nov. 9, 1884 ae aie DO seineisiaistcteea Nov. 11, 1884!....-..-.- 2 English spar- |....--.--...------ Tows. Franklin County, Ind.} Dec, 3, 1886 . 2 mice Springfield, Ind .......| Dec, 6, 1886 Mouse hair Brookville, Ind.. Jan. 10, 1887 2 mice moa Ind ... olieedO geonsea| seseessees beeas eee eee eeeeds|eeemereas Do. eistaee EMO es a's9.510 2 mice Fayette County, Ind ..|....do ....-.- 2mice, 2shrews. Union County, Ind.... ‘Jan. —, 1887 -| 2 meadow mice.. Adams, Ind....... Jan. 27, 1887 -| Lmeadow mouse Springfield, Ind Apr. 1 1887 White footed mouse, mead- ow mouse. Reneeere County, | Jan. 18,1888 |.......---|.-0- eee nance cee w ee [een ee cence cence eee Empty. athe County, N. ¥.} Feb. 1, 1879 Meadow mice... Osa ee -| Feb. 7,1886 -| Mouse... al ee AMO) one coon sciecccinn 2] aca seeweetcoseaccs |e sairiee -| Empty. ‘| Feb. QPIB88 |uscinsan nce Saece e eb dactannmen| yesoer's - -| Empty. Do Mar. 30, 1888 |.. -| Mouse -.. Rensselaer County, | Mar. 3, 1889 Meadow mice... Stratford, Conn ......- Nov. 13, 1889 |..-.....-- Swamp sparrow, |.---------s--s0. 0+ other sparrow. Flatbusb, N. Y...----- Nov. 250889 feswcesecuss eae eesisce Sore 2ain [Seca Seecwseree se Empty. Long Island City, N.Y.| Oct. 26, 1888 |.........- 2 snowbirds, 1 |......2..sss-se06- rass finch, 1 eld sparrow. Montauk Point, L. I., | Dec. 12,1889 |...-......)..-.-0 22-220 - eens | Meadow mouse, N.Y. white - footed mouse, shrew. Kennedy, Nebr ......- Apr 15; 1890 | scnn snes |ecenennecseensens Meadow mice, white - footed mice. Clay County, S. Dak ..| Sept. 12, 1889 White-footed mouse. Do ...-- anwlesseie Oct. 27, 1889 White-footed mouse, mead- ow mouse. Keokuk Towa........ Nov. 8,1885 |.-...----- Grackle .. coseee -| Jan. 1,1890 |..-.....--]------.- 2 Portland, Conn: i -| Oct. 8, 1890 |.......--- -, Empty. Union County, K- y ----| Nov. 5, 1889 |..-...--.. a Sandy Spring, Md ....| Dec. 13,1890 |.......--. =| uplys Do .... Dec. 20,1890 |.--..----- Do. S Pee ce ee alewinsAO ssccasiec con Montauk Point, Dees. Bj 1890 |cscscccsaictimcseasmseiamaaisiess Mander mouse . WO siseicis sis sia sctamiore sed Ols ivacrac 2meadow mice... Monnistows, N.S ‘| Tan. 24, 1891 -| Meadow mouse. piacere -| Feb. 10,1891 -| 3 meadow mice, Washington, D.C Nov. 20, 1891 3 raeadow mice, 1 house mouse. Lancaster County, Pa.| Dec. 19,1891 4 meadow mice.. Do ..-..------+-- Dec. 21, 1891 |. : 3 meadow mice. . DO ssicse ciccwediniaial Dec. 22, 1891 ‘Red- -wing black-| Meadow mouse . bird. Summary.—Of 101 stomachs examined, 11 contained small birds; 77, mice; 7, other mammals; 7, in- sects, and 14 were empty. 150 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES, BARRED OWL. Syrnium nebulosum. [Plate 22—Adult.] The Barred Owl inhabits eastern North America, ranging from Nova Scotia southward to the Gulf of Mexico, and westward to Manitoba, Dakota, Kansas, and Texas. Three geographical races inhabit, re- spectively, the southern United States from Florida to Texas (Syrnium n. alleni), eastern Mexico (Syrnium n. sartorii), and Central America (Syrnium n. fulvescens). The species is resident throughout its range except in the extreme northern part, from which it migrates more or less every fall and winter. Relating to the food of this species, Audubon gives the following: “The Barred Owlis a great destroyer of poultry, particularly of chickens when half grown. It also secures mice, young hares, rabbits, and many species of small birds, but is especially fond of a kind of frog of a brown color very common in the woods of Louisiana, Ihave heard it asserted that this bird catches fish.” (Ornith Biography, vol. I, p. 244.) Nuttall gives the following information as to the food: “Their food is principally rabbits, squirrels, grouse, quails, rats, mice, and frogs. From necessity as well as choice they not unfrequently appear around the farmhouse and garden in quest of the poultry, particularly young chickens.” (Land Birds, 1832, p. 134.) “Mr. Downes observed them to feed on hares, spruce and ruffed grouse, and other birds in Nova Scotia” (Hist. N. A. Birds, vol. 111, p. 36). Mr. H. Nehrling says: “In Texas where the hens, turkeys, etc., roost on trees, this owl is very destructive. They do not kill old poultry, but like half-grown chickens, and soon depopulate a whole poultry yard.” (Bull. Nuttall Ornith. Club, vol. vil, p. 172.) Dr. Wheaton, in his report on the birds of Ohio, 1882, gives a sum- mary of its food as follows: “It sometimes visits chicken roosts and causes great devastation, but its ordinary food consists of squirrels, rats, mice, and small birds” (p. 412). To all this testimony, which could be increased by the addition of many other notes attesting the destructiveness of the species to poultry and game, the investigations of the writer are in direct variance. Of the 109 stomachs examined four only contained the remains of poultry, and in one the trace of a game bird were found. Dr. William C. Avery, of Greensboro, Ala., one of our valued cor- respondents, writes: “One evening about sunset while I was hunting, a Barred Owl pitched upon a wounded Bob-white which I had just shot.” This incident recalls the interesting question of the part played by birds of prey in destroying sickly or wounded game. The following from Prof. Baird to Mr. J. W. Shorton, which was published in the Bull Neo 3 Ov. Ornithology Oe ea lala), VLE Aya cry» I OLLLOS ELI 7 (fa t 152 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. common. That it does occasionally make inroads upon the poultry yard and does more or less damage among game birds, is true; but the systematic collection and examination of a large number of stomachs show the exceptional character of such acts and reveal the fact that the larger part of its food consists of mammals. And it is to be noted that among the list are some of the most destructive rodents the farmer has to contend with. If a fair balance be struck, therefore, it must be considered that this Owl is on the whole beneficial, and hence should occupy a place on the list of birds to be protected. The following species of mammals and birds were positively identi- fied among the stomach contents: MAMMALS, Evotomys gapperi. Scalops aquaticus. Arvicola riparius. Z Synaptomys coopert. Arvicola pinetorum, Blarina brevicauda. Aine ecuanan ts, Tamias striatus. BIRDS. Sciurus hudsonicus. Bonasa wmbellus. Sciuropterus volucella. Megascops asio. Lepus sylvaticus. Nyctala acadica. Sitomys aureolus. Melanerpes carolinus. Sito mys americanus, Passereila iliaca, In the South the eggs are deposited late in February or the first week in March, while in the North their deposition is a month or six weeks later. The following extract from an article by ‘J. M. W.’ (Calvin Rawson), of Norwich, shows that it sometimes breeds in February as far north as Connecticut: “During the open Februarys, several years ago, Mr. Brand and myself took eggs in winter; but of late the last of March sees full clutches of this bird. I have seen eggs on a solid cake of ice, in a hole, and in open nests, with a foot of snow in the woods.” (Orni- thologist and Oologist, vol. x11I, 1888, p. 37.) The ovaries in some of the birds captured in southern New York about the first of April were still in an undeveloped state, while other birds had deposited eggs. It thus appears that in the same locality the pairs do not all breed at the same time. The nest, like that of the Great Horned Owl, is situated indiscrimi- nately in hollows or among the branches of trees. In the North a nest among the branches is more common and, although the structure may occasionally be made by the bird, the remodeled nest of the crow or hawk is more often used. It is not to be understood that the use of cavities in the North is at all uncommon, for probably a third of the nests are so situated, while in the South an open nestis rare. This species shows great fondness for a favorite nesting site, which it will oc- cupy year after year even though it be habitually robbed of its eggs. The eggs are usually two or three in number, although sets of four and five have been taken. BARRED OWL. 153 This Owl is a lover of deep, dark woods, where it spends most of the day in quiet among the thick foliage. Heavy wooded swamps, with their luxuriant growth and festoons of vines, or the stately hemlock forests are the places preéminently suited to the bird’s taste. It is the commonest species of rapacious bird throughout the ex- tensive swamps covered by cypress and other growths which abound in the coast region of the South, where as many as fifteen or twenty may be seen in a day’s tramp. Although not usually seen near habitations, it sometimes wanders into large towns, either in search of food or the shelter afforded by some attractive clump of evergreens. Mr. F. H. Carpenter makes the interesting statement that in the vi- cinity of Kingfield, Me., this Ow] often resorts to barns during the day time and is known locally as “Barn Owl.” (Ornithologist and Oolo- gist, vol. XI, 1886, p. 177.) When kept in captivity it soon becomes tame, especially when taken young, and makes a gentle and interesting pet, soon learning to know its master and to greet his coming with signs of affection and pleasure. This Owl, like others of the family, generally remains quiet during the brightest part of the day. This habit is from choice and is not due to any defect in its vision. The familiar instances cited in books, where is has been known to alight on a collector’s gun barrel or the back of a cow, are not evidences of defective vision, but merely show that the bird was preoccupied or had its eyes fastened on some object of unusual interest. A hawk has been known to follow a chicken into the house and attack it under a chair occupied by a person; yet no one -will argue that the hawk was unable to see the individual. Mr. Frank Bolles found that his pet Barred Owls could not see in an ordinary degree of darkness, and thinks they sleep at night. (Auk, vol. vir, 1890, p. 106.) Although usually quiet, it evidently does some hunting during the day, especially during the breeding season. Once on a bright after- noon in May, near Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, the writer saw one of these Owls flying over a protection levee to a swamp on the op- posite side. It carried in its talons a bird, presumably a grackle, judg- ing from the number of these birds which followed in hot pursuit and attacked it evidently in the hope of liberating their unfortunate comrade. This black and irritated mass followed the Owl into the swamp beyond, from which their scoldings could be heard for sometime. The hearing of the Barred Owl, like all other species, is very acute. On one occasion the writer was standing near a large tree in a dense swamp in the vicinity of Mobile, attempting to attract a small bird by the aid of a low squeaking noise. Through the foliage, some 50 yards or more distant, a pair of large birds were seen winging their way, and as the noise was continued they alighted within a few feet of its source, but on the opposite side of the tree. Great was their surprise to see a head 154 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. cautiously appear from behind the trunk, and after a few bewildered glances they beat a precipitate retreat, doubtless very much chagrined at the deception. This is one of the most noisy of the Owls, and probably is oftener heard than any other. This is particularly true in the mating sea- son, at which time, in localities where it is abundant, the woods re- sound with its weird but not unpleasant notes from early dusk to morn, and even at intervals during the day. At no time of the year is it altogether quiet, though during the period the young are being cared for it is seldom heard. Years ago in the months of October and No- vember, while camping in the Adirondack wilderness in northern New York, one or more of these birds were heard nearly every evening, and a few times during the day. On one occasion, by imitating their notes, Dr. C. Hart Merriam brought two or three in close proximity to the camp, but we were unable to secure specimens on account of the darkness. The flight is light, easy, rapid, and, as with other Owls, noiseless. DESCRIPTION. Large size. No ear tufts. General color deep umber-brown and buffy whitish. The plumage everywhere barred transversely except on the belly, where the stripes run lengthwise; bill yellow; eyes brown- black. Length: 19 to 24 inches (482 to 610™™); extent about 46 inches (1168™"); wing 12.50 to 14 inches (317 to 355™™); tail 9 to 10 inches (228 to 254™™), Table showing the results of examinations of 109 stomachs of the Barred Owl (Syrnium nebulosum). Poultry Locality. Date. a guns Other birds. Mammals. Miscellaneous. irds. Englewood, N.J-....-.. Feb. 22, 1886 |so.ccecexe| scesceseccsecsaves Meadow mouse. Alfred Center, N. Y.-..) Oct. 22, 1886 |....