128 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF 



other nests were lined with feathers. There is no evi- 

 dence to prove that the Falcons made these nests them- 

 selves, and whether they were deserted nests of Ravens 

 or other birds still seems to me a moot point. When 

 disturbed at the nest the old birds become very anxious, 

 often careering wildly about uttering shrill chattering 

 cries. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement: 

 The eggs of the Scandinavian Jer-Falcon are three or 

 four in number. They are very handsome, and present 

 practically the same characteristics, the same range of 

 variation as those of the two other Jer-Falcons already 

 described. The ground colour varies from creamy-white 

 to huffish or reddish-white, but as regards the latter tint it 

 is difficult to say whether a pale wash of surface colour 

 has not produced it. The surface spots and blotches 

 are reddish-brown and orange-brown of various shades, 

 the underlying markings are pale gray. The usual type 

 is more or less evenly washed with colour, with darker 

 patches here and there ; less frequent types have the 

 markings defined and of varying size, or the gray shell 

 markings clear, numerous, and large. Average measure- 

 ment, 2*3 inches in length by rS inch in breadth. 

 Incubation is chiefly performed by the female, but the 

 duration of the period is unknown. 



Diagnostic characters : The locality is the best 

 guide to the identification of the eggs of this Jer-Falcon. 

 See also remarks on pp. 125, 126. 



