THE DUCK HAWK. 183 



My bird was fastidious in the choice of food, would 

 not touch a Woodpecker, however fresh, and as he 

 grew older refused to eat birds that were in the least 

 tainted. To the last he continued kind to me, and 

 never fail-ed to return at night to his favorite roost 

 behind the window-shutter. His courageous dispo- 

 sition often amused the family, as he would sail off 

 from his stand and fall on the back of a tame duck, 

 which, setting up a loud ' quack/ would waddle off 

 in great alarm, with the Hawk sticking to her. But, 

 as has often happened to adventurers of similar spirit, 

 his audacity cost him his life. A hen and her brood 

 chanced to attract his notice, and he flew to secure 

 one of the chickens, but met one whose parental 

 affection inspired her with a courage greater than 

 his own. The conflict, which was severe, ended the 

 adventures of poor Nero." 



The Duck Hawk is probably the swiftest-winged 

 Hawk with which we are acquainted. When pursu- 

 ing its prey it moves with astonishing rapidity, fol- 

 lowing it in all its turnings and dodgings through 

 the air until within a few feet of it, when it protrudes 

 its talons, and closing its wings for a moment, rushes 

 upon it, and if not too heavy, bears it off to the earth. 

 He pursues the Ducks and Water Hens with such 

 quickness as often to snatch them from the water 

 before they could dive beneath it ; and with the most 

 daring assurance will sometimes come at the report 

 of a gun and carry off the prize almost from under 

 the nose of the sportsman who has killed it. 



The Peregrine Falcon, which is a native of Europe, 



