In general habits the Buzzard much resembles the
Eagles, especially in its common habit of soaring at a
great height in fine weather, and in the wilder parts of
Scotland this bird is constantly pointed out to tourists
as an Eagle. I believe that the Buzzard feeds principally
upon moles, rats, mice, voles, and young
rabbits; no doubt a young or sickly chicken may be
occasionally taken by these birds, but on the whole
they should in my opinion be strictly preserved and
encouraged, as not only very useful but most ornamental.
The cry of the Buzzard is a plaintive wail, and
is constantly uttered by the parent birds as they sail
over their nests when disturbed.
. This species ranges over the greater part of Europe ;
I met with it constantly during the winter on the shores
of the Lake of Geneva, where, for some reason of which
I could not obtain any satisfactory explanation, it was
generally known to the country people under the name
of “ Bon Oiseau ” ; as many of my readers are doubtless
aware, the word “ bon ” is occasionally used to imply
simple, or stupid, but in this instance I am disposed to
think that the thrifty Swiss recognized the utility of the
bird and applied the adjective in its primary sense,
though the Buzzard certainly is in a measure comparatively
simple-minded about traps, and in allowing the
near approach of human enemies. In captivity the
Buzzard becomes perfectly tame, and if well fed may
safely be trusted in the company of almost any other
birds.
This species is subject to many variations of plumage;
the subject selected for the Plate is a very remarkably