590 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
The Common Goshawk (Astur palumbarius, Fig. 275) is by no 
means rare in France and England. In summer it frequents the 
oak and beech woods which cover the mountain sides, and sometimes 
ventures near habitations to carry off fowls and pigeons. At the com- 
mencement of autumn it descends into the plains, making its roosting 
place on the skirts of some extensive wood, from which it darts out 
upon partridges, grouse, or young leverets, which form its principal 
food. It pursues larks with such 
ardour that it often falls into the 
snares set by fowlers for these 
birds; but it will never attempt 
to get free from the trap until it 
has satiated its sanguinary appe- 
tite. When hunting it skims over 
the ground and bushes, carefully 
inspecting each. Should it per- 
ceive a victim, it approaches with 
caution until within striking dis- 
tance, when it suddenly darts 
upon its prey with unerring pre- 
cision. ‘This bird is as large as 
the Gyrfalcon, but, although equal 
in cunning and address, is pos- 
sessed of less courage. 
The Goshawk is difficult to 
tame ; its ferocious nature is not 
subdued by captivity. In 1850, 
a young one four months old, 
kept in the Botanical Garden of 
Fig. 277-—The Common Kite. the Natural History Society of 
Savoy, killed with its claws and 
bill a Kite the same age as itself, which had been its companion for 
fifteen days. The young savage tore its victim to pieces, and fed 
on the carcase, although it had not the least necessity for food, being 
abundantly cared for. 
The Common Goshawk is also found in the north of Africa. Two 
other species are known in North America. 
The Sparrow-hawks are distinguished from the preceding birds by 
the slenderness of their tarsi. The Common Sparrow-hawk (A ccepiter 
nisus, Fig. 276) is found all over Europe. In France it is a constant 
resident. Although smaller, it has much the same habits as the 
Goshawk, but is bolder, and will carry off partridges, or other small 
