FALCONID^ — THE FALCONS. 



233 



Saskatchewan, and from Southern Cahfornia to "Washington Territory, on 

 the Pacific. Mr. Boardman mentions it as found near Cahiis, but rare. Mr. 

 Verrill cites it as occurring in Western Maine, but not common. I have 

 received its eggs from South Carolina, where it is resident throughout the 

 year. Mr. Dresser met with it not uncommon near San Antonio, and found 

 it breeding on the Altascosa and Medina Elvers. Dr. Cones says it is gen- 

 erally distributed throughout the Territory of Arizona. Dr. Newberry found 

 it common about San Francisco, and extending north of the Columbia Eiver. 



?.*'■• 











Nisus cooperi. 



Mr. A. Schott obtained a specimen on the Colorado Eiver in Southern Cali- 

 fornia, and Dr. Gambel and Dr. A. L. Heermann speak of it as common 

 throughout that State, while Dr. Cooper and Dr. Suckley mention it as fre- 

 quent both in Oregon and in Washington Territory. A single specimen was 

 taken by Mr. Salvin in Guatemala. Dr. Cooper states that this Hawk is 

 often killed about the farm-yards of Washington Territory, where it seizes 

 on chickens before the very eyes of the owner, darting down like lightning, 

 and disappearing again before he can see what has caused the disturbance. 

 It is said to be a constant resident, and to breed within the Territory. 



INIr. Audubon describes the flight of this Hawk as rapid, protracted, and 

 even, and as performed at a short distance from the ground, or over the for- 

 est. It is said to move along in a silent gliding manner, and with a swift- 

 ness even superior to that of the Wild Pigeon, rarely deviating from a 

 straight course except to seize its prey, and seldom mounting in. the air in cir- 

 cles. It is very bold and daring, Mr. Audubon having known one to attack 

 and kill a cock much larger and heavier than itself. It frequently attacks 

 and kills the common Euffed Grouse. It breeds in especial abundance in 

 the jMiddle States, and particularly along the banks of the Potomac Eiver. 

 I have received reliable information of its nesting in Vermont, Massachu- 

 setts, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, and 



30 



VOL. III. 



