I have frequently seen it shot in this manner. To obtain it, one has only to mark the spot with accuracy, keep his eye upon it, and advance with his gun in readiness, for he will probably get within a few yards before the bird rises. Whilst engaged in feeding, it may very easily be approached, surprised, and shot, by an experienced sportsman, for it rises in a flurried manner, and generally cuts a few curious zig-zags at the outset. If disappointed, however, it rises as quickly as it dropped, and proceeds as before. It is seldom indeed seen to chase birds on wing, although I have met with a few instances nor is it much in the habit of carrying its quarry to any distance for generally as it observes an object suited to its appetite, it suddenly checks its speed, and almost poising itself by a few flaps of its wings, drops with astonishing quickness on its unfortunate victim, which it usually tears to pieces and devours on the spot. While searching for prey, it performs most of its rambles by rather irregular sailings by which I mean that it frequently deviates from a straight course, peeping hither and thither among the tall grasses of the marshes, prairies, or meadows, or along the briary edges of our fields. The flight of the Marsh Hawk, although light and elegant, cannot be said to be either swift or strong but it is well sustained, and this may be accounted for on comparing the small size and weight of its body with the great extent of its wings and tail, which are proportionally larger than those of any other American Hawk. I have met with it in Newfoundland and Labrador on the one hand, in Texas on the other, and in every intermediate portion of the country. TOWNSEND found it on the plains of the Columbia river, as well as on the extensive prairies bordering on the Missouri. RICHARDSON procured some specimens in latitude 65 degrees north, and Mr. This species visits the greater part of the United States.

Duck hawk sounds