NORTHWESTERN MEXICO. 301 



188. HyiJotriorcMs femoralis (Temm.). 



Falco femoralis Finsch, Abh. nat. Ver. zu Bremen, 1870, p. 362. 

 Mazatlan, Grayson. 



" This handsome little hawk may be recognized when at some distance ofi; while upon the wing, by its 

 lengthened and fan-like tail. I found it not uncommon in the vicinity of Mazatlan and San Bias, where I 

 have shot and preserved specimens in the winter months, and with many opportunities of observing its habits. 

 It seems to prefer a sparsely wooded country, where there are scattered trees and low bushes. In its habits I 

 am reminded at times of the Sharp-shinned Hawk (^4. fuscus) in its stealthy nianner of hunting for its prey 

 beneath the thick foliage of the \\-oods, flying near the ground, or perching in secluded places, from whence it 

 ■watclied, cat-like, for quails, ground doves, etc. It, howe\er, may be seen at other times, f:Jcon-like, boldly 

 pursuing its prey in the open country, and the smaller species of ducks, as well as pigeons, plovers and sand- 

 pipers, are attacked and captured on the wing by this swift flying little falcon. I am not aware that it breeds 

 in this locality, not having seen one during the season of nidificatiou." 



189. Hijpotriorchis rufigularis (Daud.). 



" " Proc. Bost. Soc. of N. H., xiy, p. 2G9. 



Mazatlan, Tres Marias, Grayson. 



" We should see this species in its ethereal element to become enraptured witli its graceful movements, and 

 the wonderful rapidity of its flight. I have seen seven or eight at difierent times in the locality of Mazatlan, 

 and it was a long time before I was able to procure a specimen. Wiiilst hunting in the vicinity of San Bias, 

 in an old clearing, I saw one of these hawks dart at and seize a little ground dove, when it was endeavoiing 

 to make its escape by flight ; this dove is a swift flyer, but the little peregiiue came up with it so suddenly as 

 to make it appear almost stationary; indeed it passed over my head like an arrow just sj^rung from a bow ; 

 after striking its prey it ascended to the top of one of the tall dead trees in the clearing, to make his morning 

 repast. Again I was disappointed in not securing this hawk. I at last succeeded in shooting one near the 

 Rio Mazatlan in the month of February, 1867. I regret I am unable to describe its nest and eggs, never hav- 

 ing seen the eyry of this rare little falcon." 



190. Tinnunculiis sparoerius (Linn.). 



" " Proc. Bost. Soc. of N. H., xiv, p. 269. 



Mazatlan, Tres Marias, Grayson. 



" Unlike the true falcons, it feeds almost exclusively upon insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, slugs, etc., 

 sometimes, but rarely, it captures a field mouse or sparrow. It is very seldom seen in the woods, but is always 

 to be met with in an open grassy country, or an old field, perched upon a stake or dry shrub, where it watches 

 patiently from day to day for the objects upon which it preys. It may be frequently seen balancing itself in 

 the air for a few moments, at a moderate height, and then suddenly darting to the grounrl for a grasshopper. 

 The SpaiTow Hawk lays its eggs in the hollow of some tree, but more frequently in a liole which the larger 

 species of woodpeckers have made so laboriously for their own nest. The eggs, sometimes five in number, 

 are of a pale buS" color with numerous specks, or blotches of reddish brown ; they are a little larger than 

 those of the domestic pigeon; the male assists in the duties of incubation, and during this season is particu- 

 larly attentive to the female. I have known this hawk on several occasions to roost in deserted houses, where 

 beneath the roofs of such it found shelter from the inclemency of the weather." 



191. Buteo horenJls var. cahtriis Cass. 



" '' , " montanus Proc. Bost. Soc. of N. H., xiv, p. 301. 



Mazatlan, Tres Marias, Grayson. 



"A common species in the Marias, also found in the vicinity of Mazatlan. Resident in these localities." 



atEMOlRS BOST. SOC. NAT. HIST. VOL. II. 7G 



