288 FALCO GYRFALCO. 



twelfths to four-twelfths in width, until the rectum, which is 

 three inches and a half long, half an inch in width at the com- 

 mencement, and dilated into a globular sac two inches in dia- 

 meter ; the cocca only two-twelfths long. 



Length to end of tail 23i inches, to end of wings 2H ; extent 

 of wings 51^ ; wing from flexure 17 ; tail 9f ; bill along the 

 ridge l/y, ; tarsus 2y\ ; hind toe 1^';,, its claw lj\ ; middle 

 toe 2y'g, its claw {h, but worn. 



Variations. — The only variations that present themselves 

 in the adult state refer to the greater or less extent of the dark 

 markings, which are sometimes entirely wanting on the head, 

 neck, and tail. They are jirecisely analogous to those seen in 

 the Snowy Owl, and require no particular description, although 

 on paper slight difterences of this kind have a formidable 

 appearance. 



Habits. — The Gyr Falcon has been met with by various 

 observers in Norway, Sweden, and several of the northern coun- 

 tries of Europe ; in Iceland, Greenland, Labrador, and the Fur 

 Countries of North America. It breeds in the arctic regions, 

 and presents itself in the temperate parts of Europe only as an 

 occasional visitant, and generally in winter. When falconry 

 was in vogue, it was procured in Iceland and Norway, the 

 birds from the former country being more highly esteemed, and 

 by some considered as of a different kind from those obtained 

 in the latter. 



Of its habits in the wild state little is known to ornithologists, 

 and it does not appear that in Britain they have ever been the 

 subject of observation to any person capable of describing them. 

 Mr Audubon, who found it breeding in Labrador, w^iere he 

 obtained two specimens, states that its flight resembles that of 

 the Peregrine Falcon, but is more elevated, majestic, and rapid. 

 " They rarely sailed when travelling to and fro between their 

 nest and an island where multitudes of Puffins were breeding, 

 and to which they daily resorted, but used a constant beat of 

 their wings. ^Vhen over the Puffins, and high in the air, 

 they would hover almost motionless, as if watching the proper 



