FALCONID^ — THE FALCONS. 



217 



game. Mr. Downes regards it as au iudiscrimiuatiiig feeder upou tisli, snakes, 

 and even worms. He took two green snakes from the stomach of one of 

 them. 



Mr. Dresser found them abundant througliout the whole country east of 

 the Rio Nueces at all seasons of the year. They were more abundant in full 

 blue plumage than elsewhere. Near San Antonio he met witli them on the 

 prairies, where they feed on the small green lizards which abound there, and 





whicli they are very expert in catching. Dr. Cones mentions them as very 

 abundant in Arizona. Dr. Kennerly met witli them on both sides of the 

 Eio Grande wherever there was a marsh of any extent. Flying near the 

 surface, just above the weeds and canes, they round their initiring circles 

 hour after hour, darting after small birds as they rise from cover. Pressed 

 VOL. III. 28 



