Birds of Britain 



Old birds are dark brown with nearly white head and 

 neck and white tail. Immature birds are brown mottled 

 with fulvous on the upper parts and with a brown tail. 



This species takes about five years to become adult, and 

 all varieties between these two plumages may be met with. 

 Length about 34 in. ; wing 25 in. 



THE GOSHAWK 



Astur palumbarius (Linnaeus) 



This species is common throughout the wooded districts 

 of Northern and Central Europe, and has only occurred 

 in these islands at long intervals, almost always on 

 the east coast of Scotland or England. In Ireland it is 

 practically unknown. 



In olden times falconers (for this species was in great 

 demand for hawking) used to liberate adults in the spring in 

 order to procure the young when they nested, and in this 

 manner there is no doubt that it became established for 

 several centuries, but it is now over a hundred years since 

 the last English-bred nestling was obtained. 



It inhabits wooded districts, and seizes its prey, which 

 consists of both mammals and birds, on the ground. 



The adult is brown on the back ; the under parts are 

 white barred with dull black. The young is brown above 

 and buff striped with dark brown below. 



Length 20 in. ; wing 12 in. The female is slightly 

 larger. 



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