178 



VERTEBRATA : AYES OR BIRDS. 



of the cold regions the birds celebrated from their use 

 in the cruel sport of falconry the Peregrine Falcon or 



FIG. 211. 



FIG. 212. 



Sparrow Hawk, Falco spar- 

 verius, Linn. 



Duck Hawk, or Peregrine Falcon, Falco anatum, 

 Bonaparte. 



Duck Hawk (Fig. 212), the Pigeon Hawk, the Sparrow 

 Hawk (Fig. 211), etc., have the upper mandible distinctly 

 toothed, as seen in Fig. 212. The true Falcons are re- 

 markable for exceedingly rapid flight, and for great bold- 

 ness in attacking their prey. The Duck Hawk is one of 

 our most interesting species. This falcon pursues its prey 

 with almost inconceivable velocity through all its turn- 

 ings and windings, and when within a few feet of the 

 intended victim protrudes its legs and talons to their full 

 extent, almost closes its wings for a moment, and the next 

 instant grasps the prize, and bears it away. 



The members of the Falconidte which are properly called 

 Hawks, do not have the upper mandible toothed, although 

 in most, or at least in many cases, they have this man- 

 dible lobed. Such are the Goshawk, Cooper's Hawk, 

 Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered 

 Hawk, etc. Although many of these are very rapacious, 

 they are not regarded as having comparatively so great 



