I08 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 



The Duck Hawk may be distinguished bj- its falcon characteristics, — the nar- 

 row pointed wings which are long enough to reach nearly to the end of the tail 

 when the bird is perched, and by the plainly marked black cheek-patch or 

 " mustachio." 



159 [357] Falco columbarius Linn. 

 Pigeon Hawk. 

 Common transient visitor. March 12 to May 8; September 7 to October 9. 



The Pigeon Hawk, like all the falcons, is distinguished by its long pointed 

 wings and long tail. The difference in size between a male Pigeon Hawk and a 

 female Sparrow Hawk is not great, the latter being somewhat smaller, but the 

 broader shoulders and dark blue rather than brown color of the back serve to 

 distinguish the Pigeon Hawk. The cry is a rapidly repeated wheet zvhect wheel 

 varied to a ki ki ki, harsher in the female than in the male. On the breeding- 

 grounds both parents boldly launch themselves at the intruder with great energy 

 and scold him with their Cjuavering cries. 



160 [360] Falco sparverius sparverius Linn. 

 Sparrow Hawk. 

 Common permanent resident, locally. 

 Eggs: April 27. 



The pretty little Sparrow Hawk is a permanent resident in the County and 

 has, I am inclined to think, slightly increased in numbers. In winter I have found 

 it roosting at nights under the piazza roofs of summer cottages at Ipswich. It 

 may often be seen alighted on telegraph poles or wires gently wagging its tail, and 

 it sometimes keeps ahead of the foot traveller on a road by flying from pole to 

 pole. It is often seen in thickly settled regions and appears to enjoy the neighbor- 

 hood of mankind. Mr. H. W. Wright has given me numerous winter records 

 for this bird since 1907 at Nahant, Lynn, and Marblehead. 



Its long, pointed wings, long tail and small size make its recognition easy. 

 The only hawk with which it can be confused is the Pigeon Hawk which is larger 

 and broader-shouldered. The adults of the two species are easily distinguished 

 if the colors can be seen. The Sparrow Hawk is chestnut-brown above and 

 beautifully marked on the head ; the Pigeon Hawk is dark bluish black above. 



The flight of the Sparrow Hawk is graceful and swallow-like. It has a habit 

 of hovering at various heights from a few yards to sixty or more feet above the 



