F ALCONIDiE — THE HAWKS — FALCO. 



463 



Tail tipped witli wliite, ami with a lirnad subtcrminnl black baml. Rai'k sjonerallv with 

 transverse bars of" black, but they are frccim^iitly very lew or wantiiii;'. Uufbus spot on 

 tlie head variable in size, sometimes wanting. 



Younger male, similar, but with the wing- coverts and tail li'rrujiinous-rcd, with luimer- 

 ous transverse bands of brownish-black. Beneath with numerous longitudinal stripes, and 



on the sides with transverse bands of brownish-black, external tail feathers palest ; the 

 broad subterniinal black band obscure or wanting. 



Youiif/, with all the rufous parts of the jilumage more wiilely banded with brownish- 

 black ; wing coverts dark lihiish-ciuereous, with large circular spots of black ; beneath with 

 longitiulinal stripes and large circtdar black spots. 



Length, 10.00 to 12 00; extent, 19.00 to 22.00; wing, 7.00 to 8.00 ; tail, ,5.00 to .5.50. 

 Iris yellow ; bill blue, black at tip ; feet orange. 



Hub. Entire continent of America. 



Tlii.s little hawk resides constantly in California, freqttenting chiefly the 

 plains, and feeding on grasshoppers, mice, gophers, etc. It must lie con- 

 sidered one of the farmer's best friends, and is seldom killed liy oliserving 

 persons. Unlike most hawks, it builds its nest in deserted holes of the 

 woodpecker, in hollow trees, and is said to lay four or i\ye eggs, light l)njwu- 

 ish-yellow spotted with brown. Its graceful form, varied and rapid flight, 

 and inoffensive habits, combined with its beautiful plumage, make it one of 

 tlte most interestino- inhabitants of ottr rural districts. 



