The Moor Buzzard, Duck Hawk or White-headed Harpy (Falco Æruginosus, Linn.; Le Busard, Buff.) is in length above twenty-one inches. The bill is black; cere and eyes yellow; the whole crown of the head is of a yellowish white, lightly tinged with brown; the throat is of a light rust colour: the rest of the plumage is of a reddish brown, with pale edges; the greater wing coverts tipped with white. The legs are yellow; claws black.
Birds of this kind vary much; in some, the crown and back part of the head are yellow; and in one described by Mr. Latham, the whole bird was uniformly of a chocolate brown, with a tinge of rust colour.
The moor buzzard preys on rabbits, young wild ducks, and other water-fowl; and likewise feeds on fish, frogs, reptiles, and even insects. Its haunts are in hedges and bushes near pools, marshes, and rivers that abound with fish. It builds its nest a little above the surface of the ground, or in hillocks covered with thick herbage: the female lays three or four eggs of a whitish colour, irregularly sprinkled with dusky spots. Though smaller, it is more active and bolder than the common buzzard, and, when pursued, it faces its antagonist, and makes a vigorous defence.—Bewick.—Latham.
By-Law, s. By-laws are orders made for the good of those that make them, farther than the public law binds.
By-Way, s. A private obscure way.
By-Word, s. A saying, a proverb; a term of reproach.
Cab, s. A contraction of cabriolet; a two-wheeled carriage.
Cackle, v. To make a noise, as a goose or hen.
Cackler, s. A fowl that cackles.