FALCOXn)^ — THE FALCOSJ 



233 



Saskatchewan 

 the Pacific, yi 

 Terrill cites it as 

 received its ^^s : 



rear. Mr. Dresser : 



it breeding on the Al: 

 erally distribmed : 

 it comn-'n :.'• :'at Sci„ x 



m Calif 

 .:ions it - 

 in Western Maine, but :. 



on 



Mr. 



I have 



, Eivers. Dr. Cones savs it is sen- 



: the Tenitorr of An: 



-iaco, and exter.dir:^ "::: ..„.-. . ^.ti. 



Mr. A. Schott obtained a specimen on the Colorado River in Sonthem Cali- 

 fornia, and Dr. Gambel and Dr. A. L. Heermann speak of it as common 

 throughout tliat State, while Dr. Cooper and Dr. Sucklev mention it as fre- 

 quent both in Oregon and in Washington Territory. A single specimen was 

 taken bv Mr. Salvin in Guatemala. Dr. Cooper states that this Hawk is 

 often killed about the farm-yards of Washington Territory, where it seizes 

 on chickens before the very eyes of the owner, darting down like lightning, 

 and disappearing again before he can see what has caused the disturbance. 

 It is said to be a constant resident, and to breed within the Territory. 



Mr. Audubon describes the flight of this Hawk as rapid, protracted, and 

 even, and as performed at a short distance from the ground, or over the for- 

 est It is said to move aloi^ in a silent gliding manner, and with a swift- 

 ness even superior to that of the Wild Pigeon, rarely de\-iating from a 

 straight course except to seize its prey, and seldom mounting in the air in cir- 

 cles. It is very bold and daring, Mr. Audubon having known one to attack 

 and kill a cock much larger and heavier than itself. It frequently attacks 

 and kills the common Euffed Grouse. It breeds in especial abundance in 

 the Middle States, and ]-<inicularly along the banks of the Potomac Paver. 

 I have received reliable information of its nesting in Vermont, Massachu- 

 setts, Ohio, lUinois, Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, and 



roi. m. 30 



