Birds of Britain 



becoming greyer with age, with pale buff markings. 

 Under parts whitish, the flanks barred with dark brown. 

 Length of male 21 in. ; wing 14*5 in. ; the female is rather 

 larger. 



THE GYR FALCON 



Faico gyrfalco, Linnseus 



Two examples of this Scandinavian and North Eussiau 

 species have been obtained in England. 



It is very closely allied to the Iceland Falcon, but the 

 head is darker and the under parts are very thickly barred. 

 Length 19"5 in.; wing 14 in. 



THE PEREGRINE 



Falco peregrinus, Tunstall 



This noble species, the king of Falcons, is still, we are 

 glad to say, by no means uncommon round our coasts, though 

 as a breeding bird it has been banished from most of its 

 inland eyries. To those who still keep up the ancient sport 

 of hawking, an amusement, which to our minds comes 

 nearer true sport than any of its latter-day substitutes, the 

 Peregrine is the favourite bird, and a grand sight it is to see 

 this beautiful species " ring up " above his prey and " stoop " 

 at him with half- closed wings and unerring aim, when 

 pursuer and pursued come down to ground, the former to 



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