580 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
The Falcon is gifted with a more remarkable degree of longevity 
than even the Eagle. It is reported that in 1797, at the Cape of 
Good Hope, a Falcon was caught which showed no signs of decre- 
pitude, and which had on a golden collar with an inscription stating 
that in 1610 it belonged to James I., King of England ; it was there- 
fore over 187 years old. 
The parent birds exhibit the greatest attachment to their young 
until they are able to provide for themselves: when that stage of 
maturity arrives they are driven forth. 
Fig. 268.—Merlins. 
The Peregrine Falcon is found among the cliffs of Normandy. 
There are other species of Falcons smaller than the preceding. 
They are only distinguished from them by their size; their habits are 
identical, except that they prey on smaller birds, such as quails, larks, 
swallows, and sometimes insects. These species are: the Hobby 
(Hypotriorchis subbuteo, Fig. 267), which is found all over Europe, 
and also in Africa—it is about a foot in height; the Merlin (AZyZo- 
triorchis esalon, Fig. 268), which is not much larger than a Thrush, 
and in summer inhabits the north and in winter the south of 
Europe ; the Kestrel (Zimnunculus alaudarius, Fig. 269), which owes 
its name to its sharp cry—it is thirteen inches in height, and is 
