es. The Goshawk (_Astur
palumbarius_, Fig. 3) is sufficiently strong and flies sufficiently
well to seize small birds; but in order to obtain a copious repast at
one snatch he prefers to attack pigeons. Generally the strength of
their wings promptly places them in safety. He therefore hides himself
in the neighbourhood of the pigeon-house, ready to fall on those
pigeons who pick up food around. But the pigeons are suspicious, and
if they recognise his presence they remain hidden in their dwellings.
In this case it has sometimes been found that the Goshawk has quietly
flown up to their house and alighted on its summit; there, by
violently beating his wings, he gives a succession of sudden blows to
the roof. Startled and frightened by this unaccustomed noise, the
inhabitants dart out, and the bird of prey can then profit by their
alarm to seize one or two.[19]

[19] Wodzicki, "Ornithologische Miscell.," _Journ. f.
Ornithol._, 1856.

The _Pseudaetus_ is also obliged to have recourse to a subterfuge in
order to gain birds that fly well. He easily destroys fowls, and hunts
them so successfully that in Spain, in certain isolated farms, it has
been necessary to give up rearing fowls in consequence of these
numerous depredations. But to seize pigeons is not so easy a matter.
Generally, according to Jerdon, two birds unite to attack a band. One
of the aggressors pretends to wish to seize them from below. This is a
very unusual method, for birds of prey always rise above the game in
order to throw themselves down on it. This puts out the pigeons, and
they fear the manoeuvre all the more because they are unaccustomed to
it. During this instant of confusion the second assailant passes
unperceived above them, plunges into the midst and seizes a pigeon;
there is a new panic, by which the first aggressor profits in order to
rise rapidly in his turn and seize a second victim.

_Struggles that terminate the hunt._--It is not always sufficient for
the hunter to find game and to reach it. If the game is of large size
it may be able to hold its own, and the pursuit may end in a violent
struggle, in which both skill and cunning are necessary to obtain
conquest.

The Bald Eagle of North America (_Haliaeetus leucocephalus_) hides
himself on a rock by the edge of a stream and awaits the passing of a
swan. This eagle is brave and strong, but the palmiped is vigorous,
and though inferior in the air, he has an advantage on the wat