127 



Hawk is almost if not quire indistinguishable from the European bird. 

 Although distributed over most of the northern hemisphere it is every- 

 where a rare and more or less casual visitor or breeder. 



Economic Status. The size of the prey which this bird can take is 

 remarkable. Even the Mallard Duck, weighing perhaps three times as 

 much as the falcon, is often struck down. Around a nest found by the 

 writer in the Muskoka district, were the remains of several full grown 

 Ruffed Grouse that must have been carried bodily to it. An examination 

 of the stomach contents of 16 specimens, gave the following result: 7, 

 contained poultry or game birds; 9, other birds; 1, mice; and 2, insects. 

 Fortunately it is as wary as it is spirited. Adults usually confine them- 

 selves to the fields and marshes where they can do little direct damage. 



357. Pigeon Hawk. fr. — la faucon des pigeons. Falco columbarius. L, 10. 

 A small falcon. Adult male: dark slate-blue above, bluest on lower back and rump. 

 Below, streaked with brown on an ochraceous ground, the stripes aggregating slightly 

 on lower breast. Juveniles: similar but back brown instead of slate. Adult females: 

 intermediate. 



Distinctions. True falcon characters; the generally dark coloration and the small 

 size of this hawk are characteristic. 



Field Marks. The falcon flight and outline, in conjimction with small size and dark 

 coloration, are distinctive. 



Nesting. In hollow Umbs of trees or on cliff ledges. 



Distribution. All of North America and to northern South America. Breeds south- 

 ward to the borders of cultivated land in eastern Canada. 



SUBSPECIES. There are several subspecies of the Pigeon Hawk in Canada, but 

 in the east there is only the type form, the Eastern Pigeon Hawk. 



In spirit and action this is a miniature of the Duck Hawk, but is a far 

 commoner bird than nay of the Falcons previously mentioned. This 

 species also was used in court falconry. 



Economic Status. As indicated by its name the Pigeon Hawk pro 

 bably preyed largely upon Wild Pigeons. Nowadays, however, it follows 

 smaller game as a rule. Of 51 stomachs examined, 2 contained young 

 chickens; 41, small birds; 2, mice; and 16, insects. It will be seen from 

 this record that the Pigeon Hawk is destructive to small wild bird life 

 but is not large enough to seriously aff.ct the poultryman. It often 

 follows Shore Birds and seems particularly fond of the Black-bellied 

 Plover. Though more numerous than the Duck Hawk it is still nowhere 

 a common bird. 



360. American Sparrow Hawk. fr. — le faucon epervier. Falco sparverius. 

 L, 10. Plate XIV B. 



Distinctions. The coloration of this bird renders it immistakable for any other species. 



Field Marks. With its falcon-like outUne and small size it can not be mistaken for 

 any bird except perhaps the Pigeon Hawk. Its more slender shape and longer tail will 

 separate it readily when the striking colours are not distinguishable. 



Nesting. In deserted Woodpecker's holes or natural cavities in dead stub. 



Distribution. Most of North America, from beyond the settled areas to the gulf of 

 Mexico. Breeds wherever found in Canada. 



SUBSPECIES. Two subspecies of the American Sparrow Hawk are recognized in 

 Canada, but only the type form, the Eastern Sparrow Hawk, occurs in the east. 



This is the only falcon that is common in Canada. It is a beautiful 

 bird — the brightest coloured of any of our Birds of Prey. The open 

 fields are its hunting ground and the topmost dead branches of solitary 



