Their plumage is extremely variable, having all of the intergradations from a sooty blackish to the typical bluish gray above, and white below, with breast a rich chestnut color. Their habits are nearly as variable as their plumage. In some localities they nest wholly in trees; in others upon the ground or on rocky ledges. They seem to prefer, though, the low open lands covered with sage bush, where their food consists almost wholly of the small rodents; squirrels; mice and grasshoppers, the latter being eaten in large numbers.
Nest.—Is made similar to others of the family, laying two to four white eggs, splashed and spotted with various shades of brown, usually more about the larger end (2.20 × 1.70).
Range.—Western North America, from the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean, and Hudson Bay to southern California.
MEXICAN GOSHAWK.
346. Asturina plagiata. 17 inches.
Found in the southern borders of the United States and Mexico. These are graceful and active birds, feeding largely on small rodents.
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK.
347a. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis. 21 inches.
These are large, heavily built birds of prey, specially characterized by the completely feathered legs to the feet; in the normal plumage has a whitish head, neck, breast and tail, the former being streaked and the latter barred with blackish; remainder of upper and under parts, blackish brown. Eyes brown. In the dark phase they are blackish brown, more or less mixed with rusty, the tail remaining the same as in the light plumage.