98 BULLETIN 17 0, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM 



pieces, returning to the lower level to resume its hunting as each cap- 

 ture is disposed of." 



Dr. John B. May (1935) says: "Manuscript notes in the Bureau of 

 Biological Survey state that J. S. Ligon examined two stomachs which 

 held a Lark Bunting and a Lark Sparrow respectively, and that R. T. 

 Kellogg examined one which held two dragonflies, a cricket, a Horned 

 Lark, and some seeds (possibly from the crop of the Lark)." 



Behavior. — Colonel Grayson (Lawrence, 1874) writes: 



This handsome little hawk may be recognized when at some distance off, 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 

 (A. fuscus) in its stealthy manner of hunting for its prey beneath the thick foliage 

 of the woods, flying near the ground, or perching in secluded places, from whence 

 it watched, cat-like, for quails, ground doves, etc. It, however, may be seen at 

 other times, falcon-like, boldly pursuing its prey in the open country, and the 

 smaller species of ducks, as well as pigeons, plovers and sandpipers, 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 nidification. 



Henry W. Henshaw (1875) says: 



In 1874, this hawk was seen, on four different occasions, at distant localities 

 in Southeastern Arizona. It would thus appear to be not very rare in this section. 

 All the individuals noticed were among the timber of the streams as they issued 

 out on the plains; and in such localities it doubtless finds an abundance of small 

 game, feathered and otherwise, which flock to the very limited supply of water. 

 They did not appear very shy, and I had no difficulty in obtaining a shot in three 

 instances, in two of which, however, the birds, though most grievously wounded, 

 succeeded in flying so far that I was compelled to give them up. Their flight is 

 light, powerful, and easy, and their whole organization classes them at once among 

 the noble birds of prey. 



Field marks. — There should be no difficulty in recognizing this beau- 

 tiful little falcon at any reasonable distance in life. In addition to the 

 falcon method of flight, its color pattern is very distinctive in any 

 plumage; the blue- gray upper parts, the cinnamon breast and thighs, 

 and the black flanks and belly of the adult are very conspicuous; 

 the young bird has a similar pattern but is browner in the dark areas 

 and is streaked on the breast. 



DISTRIBUTION 



Range. — South and Central America north to Arizona, New Mexico, 

 and Texas. The range of the Aplomado falcon extends north to 

 Arizona (Tucson and Tombstone); New Mexico (Engle, Apache, 

 and Rincon); and Texas (Toyah and Fort Stockton). East to Texas 

 (Fort Stockton, Pecos, and Brownsville); Tamaulipas (Matamoras, 

 Quizaro, Altamira, and Tampico); Veracruz (Mirador); southern 



