302 ZOOLOGY. 



There are several small species of this genus, all of which appear to have 

 been trained for falconry, such as the merlin {F. cesalon), the hobby {F. 

 subbutes, pi. 105, ßg-, 7), and others. Of North American species there are 

 several, such as tlie pigeon hawk {F. columbariiis). which is frequently met 

 with throughout the United States, and the beautiful little sparrow hawk 

 {F. sporverins). a familiar and remarkable bird inliabiting the Avhole conti- 

 nent. It may be seen in the Middle States throughout the year, especially, 

 however, in summer, and excites attention by its capricious movements. 

 Seated upon a fence or isolated tree, it suddenly darts to some point in the 

 field, hovering in a peculiar manner over a single spot, and frequently 

 returning unsuccessful to begin a fresh look-out. Spying a straggling grass- 

 hopper or beetle, it makes sure of him, and solaces its appetite leisurely. It 

 rarely feeds upon anything else than insects, generally grasshoppers, an 

 abundance of w-hich is usually found in localities which it frequents. It builds 

 its nest in the hole of a tree, sometimes in one deserted by a woodpecker, 

 and lays four or five yellowish spotted eggs. The young are readily caught 

 and easily tamed. It is a species very remarkable on account of its quiet and 

 more bird-like habits than any other of our falcons, and has been ranked as 

 generically distinct. 



The Kestril, F. alaudurins {pi. 105, fig. 8), appears to resemble in many 

 respects the sparrow-hawk, and is also clothed in gay plumage. 



The foreign species of this sub-f;imily are numerous. There is a South 

 American genus {Harpagiis, Vigors) and another of Africa {Aviceda, 

 Swainson), whicli have two strong teeth in the upper mandible instead of 

 one, whicli is usual. An Indian species {Falco lop/iotcs) is probably the most 

 beautiful of rapacious birds. In this sub-fomily Ave also find the very small 

 hawks constituting; the wnus Hierax. Vigors, which are the smallest of tha 

 famil}'. This distinction belongs to H. coerulescetut, or the little Java hawk 

 of the books. 



Sub-fam. 2. Biitconina', or Buzzards. Bill short, broad at the base, 

 much curved, festooned on the margins of the upper mandible Head usually 

 broad and rather flattene<l. Wings long, though scarcely formed for rapid 

 flight, tarsi rather lengthened, feet moderate, toes rather short. Size moder- 

 ate, sometimes large, never very small. 



The buzzards compose a sub-family of strong and massive formed birds 

 with broad wings and soaring flight, but of inactive and rather sedentary 

 habits. They feed on all descriptions of the smaller and weaker quad- 

 rupeds, birds or reptiles, nor do they reject the flesh of dead animals. 

 Some species live almost exclusively upon frogs and snakes, others upon 

 insects. 



They are Avidely disseminated. Of the American species the red- 

 tailed hawk [Buteo borealls, Linn.), and the Avinter fixlcon [B. lineatus), 

 are the most common and universally knoAvn, and have received vari- 

 ous names from the farmers and houscAvives amongst Avhose poultry, 

 especially the junior part of it, in the spring, they make considerable 

 havoc. They generall}'^, hoAvever. go by the common denomination of hen 

 haAvks-, or occasionally chicken haAvks. These birds build their nests in 

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