THE BIIIDS OF PKEY. 



215 



1897. Eggs^ 2, 3, or 4, 2 inches; cream, with brown 

 blotches. 



Gyr Falcon, Iceland Falcon, and Greenland Falcon, three 

 closely allied species, rare stragglers from northern regions. 



The Peregrine, boldest and perhaps handsomest of our 

 smaller birds of prey, is the species chiefly used in the 

 Peregrine sport of falconry ; and those who have seen 

 Falcon. it lift a rabbit or a partridge in its dashing- 

 course are not likely to forget the suddenness of the action. 



ij^^** 



A^ 



By no means very superior in size to the kestrel and 

 sparrow-hawk, though a somewhat heavier bird, it does 

 not hesitate to attack them, and invariably comes off victor ; 



