SPARROW-HAWK. 141 
Tn a trained state the Sparrow-Hawk is a useful bird for taking Quails, 
Partridges, Blackbirds, and Thrushes; but, as Lord Lilford very justly 
remarks, it is of uncertain temper and difficult of management, and re- 
quires quite a different system of training from that employed for the true 
Falcons. In India the Sparrow-Hawk is very highly prized, and flown suc- 
cessfully at Coursers and Sand-Grouse. 
The Sparrow-Hawk’s upper plumage generally, with the exception of a 
small white patch on the nape, is dark bluish slate-colour; the tail greyish 
brown, transversely barred with darker brown; the underparts are rufous, 
barred with darker rufous-brown. The beak is blue; cere, legs, and toes 
yellow ; irides orange; claws black. The female is usually three or four 
inches longer than the male, and has the upper parts brown, with a white 
nape-spot, and the underparts greyish white barred with brown. ‘The 
young males resemble the female; but the brown feathers of the upper 
parts have rufous margins ; the tail is reddish brown, especially at the base. 
Very old females sometimes assume the plumage of the male. 
SPARROW-HAWK’S NEST. 
