Grand Illustrated Encyclopedia of Animated Nature; Embracing a Full Description of the Different Races of Men, and of the Characteristic Habits and Modes of Life of the Various Beasts, Birds, Fishes, Insects, Reptiles, and Microscopic Animalcula of the Gl (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1856 Excerpt: ...of deep swamps, covered with a growth of gigantic timber; and here, as soon as evening draws on, and mankind retires to rest, he sends forth such sounds as seem scarcely to belong to this world. The flight of this bird is elevated, rapid and graceful. It sails with apparent ease in large circles, and rises and descends without the least difficulty, by merely inclining its wings or its tail as it passes through the air." It preys upon birds, domestic poultry of all kinds, and small quadrupeds. The Hawk Owl is a native of the arctic regions of both continents. Wilson says that this species is rare in Pennsylvania and the more southern of the United States, its favorite range being along the borders of the arctic regions, making occasional excursions southward when compelled by severity of weather, and consequent scarcity of food. It preys by day, its eyes being adapted for a dull light, and its flight is steady. From these circumstances it has obtained its English appellation From the writer alluded to, we learn that it is bold and active, and will follow the fowler, carrying off his game as;oon as shot. Fish Hawk robbed of its prey by a Bald Eagle. Fish Hawk. The Kite, a large and handsome, but cowardly bird, is spread over Europe, Asia, and Africa. It measures nearly three feet from the end of its yellow bill to the tip of the tail, which is dark colored and forked; the feathers above are deep brown, with pale edges; the under parts are of a rusty iron-color, with dark longitudinal stripes. It breeds on trees, and forms its nest of sticks, lined with wool, laying two or three eggs, white, spotted with dirty yellow. It is known by its flight, which resembles a sailing or gliding through the air, without the least apparent motion of its wings. When press...