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Range (North America breeds) (VI)

North America; breeds from Florida to Labrador; winters from South Carolina to northern South America.

Washington, uncommon S. R., Mch. 25 to Oct. Sing Sing, common T. V., rare S. R., Apl. 3 to May 26; Sept. 29 to Oct. 20. Cambridge, common T. V., Apl.; Sept.

Nest, generally in a tree, thirty to fifty feet from the ground, rarely on the ground. Eggs, two to four, extremely variable, sometimes dull white, unmarked, sometimes almost solid chocolate, but generally buffy white, heavily marked with chocolate, chiefly at the larger end, 2.45 x 1.80. This species lives in colonies, and also in pairs, along our coasts, returning year after year to the same nesting ground. Its food consists solely of fish, which as a rule it captures alive. Winging its way slowly over the water, it keeps a keen watch for fish which may appear near the surface. When one is observed it pauses, hovers a moment, and then closing its wings descends with a speed and directness of aim that generally insure success. It strikes the water with great force, making a loud splash, and frequently disappears for a moment before rising with its prey grasped in its powerful talons. As a rule, it carries its food to some favorite perch, there to devour it. It is said that Fish Hawks have been known to strike fish so large that, unable to release their hold, they were drawn under water and drowned. When protected, Fish Hawks, like many other birds, to a large degree lose their fear of man. In The Auk, for October, 1892, will be found a valuable article by Dr. C. S. Allen. on the habits of this species as observed by him on Plum Island, N. Y., where for forty years the birds had been protected by the owner of the island. OWLS.

The note of the Fish Hawk is a high, rapidly repeated, plaintive whistle.