36o FALCON AND EAGLE GROUP 



although these were not definitely distinguished from other species of 

 the group. These occurrences include all parts of the United Kingdom 

 from the Shetlands and Hebrides southwards. At the date mentioned 

 nineteen authentic examples were definitely recorded from Ireland ; but 

 in 1905 the Irish list was increased by no fewer than nine specimens 

 killed and identified, in addition to others seen, thus bringing up the 

 total of identified examples to twenty-eight. All the nine specimens 

 obtained in 1905 were killed on the west coast in March and April ; 

 they included three adult birds, — two females and one male. It is 

 not a little remarkable that the Greenland falcon should visit Ireland 

 in such comparative frequency, whereas, as mentioned later, the much 

 nearer Iceland falcon very seldom makes its appearance. In the same 

 season Greenland falcons were seen in Scotland. 



In its native home the white falcon preys on ])tarmigan, willow- 

 grouse, and lemmings and other small rodents. Although in former 

 days these birds were used for hawking herons and cranes, and in later 

 times have been trained to capture hares and rabbits, they lack the 

 superb courage and " dash " of the peregrine ; and they also seem 

 much less wary and suspicious of man, some of the Irish stragglers 

 having been taken alive, while others were killed ignominiously with 

 stones. As a rule, the eggs, which, like those of other ger-falcons, are 

 lighter- coloured and more uniformly marked than those of the 

 peregrine, are laid on the bare rock, although sometimes the nests of 

 other birds are utilised for their reception. 



Iceland Falcon ^ '^*^ Iceland falcon (often known as Hicrofalco 

 (Falco islandus) islaudus, or islandicus) is now generally regarded as 

 peculiar to the island from which it takes its name ; 

 the allied South Greenland and American birds being considered 

 distinct species {Falco liolboelli and F. riistico/iis). In reality all three 

 arc probably nothing more than local races of the true gcr- falcon 

 (Falco s^yrfalco) of Scandinavia and Northern Europe generally. 

 Approximately similar in size to the white falcon, the Icelandic species 

 may always be recognised by the feathers having a dark ground, with 

 light edges, instead of a white ground, with or without dark spots or 

 longitudinal markings. In the present bird there is considerable variation 

 in markings and colour, some individuals being much darker than others, 

 while others have the head white with brown streaks. Generally 

 speaking, it may be said that the markings on the upper-j^arts take 

 the form of white bars and spots, the latter made by the tips of the 

 feathers ; the quills are dark brown with white tips ; the tail is ashy 



