38 NATURAL HISTORY IBirds. 



times chickens, which it darts from the air upon, and snatches 

 in an instant, seldom missing its prej. 



Species 8. — The Sparrow-Hawk. 



Wil. Orn. 86. Raii Syn, Jv. 18. Falco Nisus, Li7i. Sys. 130. Biit. Zuol. 



151. Sib. Scot. 15. 



This liltle mischievous species is found very cominon in 

 our sea-rocks, as well as in the precipices of the hills, Avhere it 

 defends its nest Avith great spirit against all intruders, I lately 

 saw a battle between one of this species and the short-eared 

 owl, which began by the latter approaching too near the 

 haAvk's dominions. The hawk had visibly the better, notwith- 

 standing the superior bulk of the other ; every stroke he gave 

 the owl made him scream out, while he nimbly avoided all 

 harm from his clumsier enemy, and Avho in the end was ob- 

 liged to Avithdraw, and leave him the- calm possession of Avhat 

 they fought for. 



This species, as avcU as the next, makes vast havock among 

 pigeons ; I have observed it light among a flock, and drive 

 them all several Avays, seldom missing one or other of them. 

 It, too, makes great destruction among the smaller birds, 

 coursing them through the air like a little hound, and, how 

 soon it gets a proper opportunity, one stroke finishes the 

 contest ; but this is so severe, that a gentleman told me he 

 observed one of this species knock down one of his pigeons, 



