324 THE BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



into irregular cross-markings." In young birds the under parts 

 are usually paler and more heavily spotted. 



Sparrow-Hawk. Accipiter idsus (Linn.). 



The Sparrow-Hawk (Plate 138) is resident in all wooded parts 

 of the British Isles. In the north of its European and Asiatic 

 range it is a migrant, and in autumn considerable numbers 

 reach our eastern shores, and probably some are birds of 

 passage. 



With the exception of the Kestrel the Sparrow-Hawk is, in 

 most parts, our commonest bird of prey ; incessant persecution 

 has failed to stamp it out. When in flight its short wings give 

 it a long-tailed appearance, and when perched it stands higher 

 and looks a more leggy bird than the Kestrel. Its manner of 

 hunting is different, for it flies low, beating along hedgerows 

 and seldom rising to do more than skim over to the far side. 

 It will fly up a road or lane, frequently topping the hedges, and 

 searching each bramble patch or furze bush for victims ; it 

 threads its way amongst the trees in a wood, quickly but 

 silently, dashing suddenly upon any unsuspecting bird. When 

 about to perch it will cross a field, a few feet above the grass, 

 and suddenly rise to a high branch when near the foot of a tree. 

 It will pick out one bird from a flock and chase it, without heed- 

 ing the cries and occasional mobbing flight of other birds. 

 When Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings assault it, however, it 

 simply avoids their attacks, dodging skilfully, for it turns and 

 twists with ease and grace. The quarry is eaten on the ground ; 

 the Hawk stands with both feet on its victim, droops its wings 

 so that they form a tent, spreads its tail as if to give support, 

 and rips off the feathers or fur. The blood-stained remnants 

 of its feast remain to mark the scene of the tragedy. Small 

 passerine birds are its chief food, but it will kill birds as large 

 as Wood- Pigeons, and not infrequently raids the farm for 



