PEREGRINE FALCON. 25 
abundant supply of food. It is doubtless to this migratory movement 
of the Peregrine from the extreme northern limits of its range that we 
must attribute the appearance of the bird in those localities now so little 
suited to its requirements, as, for instance, the low-lying eastern counties. 
Indeed, in the greater part of England the Peregrine is only known as a 
migrant, most common in the autumn, and in a few cases remaining through 
the winter in some favoured spot. It is also worthy of remark that these 
autumnal wandercrs are, for the greater part, young birds; but in the 
spring movement northwards old birds are more numerous. Even young 
birds bred in our own land quit the place of their birth so soon as they can 
forage for themselves, their parents guarding their own stronghold with 
the greatest jealousy from intruders, and breeding there year after year 
if unmolested. 
Naturally enough, the time for studying the Peregrine Falcon’s move- 
ments to best advantage is when it is engaged in obtaming its food. Most 
species of water-fowl are preyed upon, as well as Grouse and Partridges; 
but perhaps his favourite food is the Rock-Doves which nestle on the ocean- 
cliffs around him, and the Stock-Doves in the more inland districts. Few 
birds, indeed, fly more swiftly than these two species of Dove, yet the Pere- 
grine takes them with comparative ease, fairly flying them down, or perhaps 
more frequently darting with great rapidity upon them unawares. Dixon, 
writing of the Peregrine on Skye, says :—‘“< A favourite morsel with the 
Peregrine is the comical little Puffin, or ‘ Sea-Parrot,’ as the fishermen call 
him; in fact in some localities this bird almost forms his only food. Here, 
for instance, on this steep ocean-cliff a colony of Puffins have established 
themselves. The time is early morning; and the Puffins are coming to 
and quitting their holes, from and to the sea below, where quite a large | 
company are fishing and disporting themselves. Several of the curious 
little birds leave the cliff together, and with rapid beats of their short 
wings pass to the water below. Suddenly a loud flapping of wings is heard, 
something flits like a meteor from the air above, and follows the Puffins in 
their downward course. Perceiving their danger they scatter; but too 
late ; already one of their number is struck and quivering in the sharp 
talons of their common enemy. All for the moment is commotion: the 
birds on the sea beneath dive out of danger; and those on the cliffs are 
in uproar at the suddenness of the onslaught. But the alarm soon sub- 
sides, and the birds are pursuing their usual avocations again. Indeed 
it is a noteworthy fact that the birds display very little alarm whilst the 
Falcon sails high in air above them; and it is no uncommon thing to 
see the bird, evidently when its appetite is satisfied, surrounded by Terns 
and Gulls, and see the Puffins sitting quite unconcerned a stone’s throw 
from their enemy.’ The Peregrine also feeds on young rabbits and 
leverets, especially of the blue hare. 
