lO BIRDS OF PREY. 



Nest. On tree or cliff; a loosely arranged platform of dry sticks, 

 sometimes partially lined with grass, leaves, or moss. 



Eggs. 2-4 ; reddish brown — sometimes of bright tint — marked with 

 dull red and rich brown ; 2.10 X 1.60. 



The celebrated, powerful, and princely Falcon is common 

 both to the continent of Europe and America. In the former 

 they are chiefly found in mountainous regions, and make their 

 nests in the most inaccessible clefts of rocks, and very rarely 

 in trees, laying 3 or 4 eggs of a reddish-yellow, with brown 

 spots. In Europe they seldom descend to the plains, and 

 avoid marshy countries. The period of incubation lasts but 

 a short time, and commences in winter, or very early in the 

 spring, so that the young acquire their full growth by the 

 middle of May. They are supposed to breed in the' tall trees 

 of the desolate cedar swamps in New Jersey. Audubon, how- 

 ever, found them nesting on shelving rocks on the shores of 

 Labrador and Newfoundland, laying from 2 to 5 eggs of a 

 rusty yellowish brown, spotted and blotched with darker tints 

 of the same color. They also breed on shelving rocks in the 

 Rocky Mountains, where Mr. Townsend obtained a specimen 

 on Big Sandy River of the Colorado of the West in the month 

 of July. When the young have attained their growth, the 

 parents drive them from their haunts, with incessant and 

 piercing screams and complaints, — an unnatural propensity 

 which nothing but dire necessity, the difficulty of acquiring 

 sustenance, can palliate. 



In strength and temerity the Falcon is not exceeded by 

 any bird of its size. He soars with easy and graceful motions 

 amidst the clouds or clear azure of the sky ; from this lofty 

 elevation he selects his victim from among the larger birds, — 

 Grouse, Pheasants, Pigeons, Ducks, or Geese. Without being 

 perceived, he swiftly descends, as if falling from the clouds in 

 a perpendicular line, and carries terror and destruction into 

 the timid ranks of his prey. Instead of flying before their 

 relentless enemy, the Partridge and Pheasant run and closely 

 hide in the grass, the Pigeons glance aside to avoid the fatal 

 blow which is but too sure in its aim, and the Water Fowls seek 



