[Illustration: BUZZARDS.]
The Buzzards have long wings and a large head. They do not chase their
prey when it is on the wing, but hide themselves, where they wait until
a victim passes within reach. When thus occupied they will sometimes
remain for several hours perfectly quiet, looking so sleepy and inactive
that their stupidity has become proverbial. This stupid look is partly
due to the weakness of their eyes, which are affected by strong light.
They generally build their nests in the loftiest trees, and occasionally
in thickets of brushwood among the rocks. When frost comes they visit
farm yards and steal poultry, and when pressed by hunger they become
very bold.