The Sparrow Hawk 



THE Sparrow Hawk does not fly at any 

 great height above the ground, or hover 

 in the air like the kestrel. It prefers to steal 

 quietly over a hedgerow, or round the corner 

 of a wood, and surprise some unfortunate little 

 bird feeding on the ground. Its swift flight, 

 and the remarkable ease with which it can 

 twist and turn in the air, give the victim but 

 a small chance of escape in the open. 



Some small birds avoid it, however, by 

 dashing into thick bushes, and remaining 

 there until the danger has passed. Terrified 

 titlarks have been known to take refuge 

 inside houses, and even in railway carriages 

 in motion. 



Birds as large as the red grouse and lap- 

 wing are sometimes slain by this fierce robber 

 of the air, and occasionally such watchful 

 creatures as the jay are caught napping by it. 

 The male Sparrow Hawk only measures 

 about a foot in length, but his mate is some 



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