FALCONID.E — THE FALCONS. 



217 



aame. Mr. Downes regards it as an incliscriminating feeder upon fish, snakes, 

 and even worms. He took two green snakes from the stomach of one of 



them. 



Mr. Dresser found them abundant throughout the whole country east of 

 the Eio Nueces at all seasons of the year. They were more abundant in full 

 blue plumage than elsewliere. Near San Antonio he met with them on the 

 prairies, where they feed on the small green lizards which abound there, and 



which they are very expert in catching. Dr. Coues mentions them as very 

 abundant in Arizona. Dr. Kennerly met with them on both sides of the 

 Rio Grande wherever there was a marsh of any extent. Flying near the 

 surface, just above the weeds and canes, they round their untiring circles 

 hour after hour, darting after small birds as they rise from cover. Pressed 



VOL. in. 



28 



