FALCO MINOR. 57 
thence, as well as one from Natal, the latter being probably the same 
individual as that mentioned by Mr. Sclater. 
Prof. Barboza du Bocage states that it has been procured by 
Senor Anchieta on the Coroca River in Mossamedes, but he does 
not state whether it was the large Peregrine of Europe, or the small 
Faleo minor of southern Africa, which some ornithologists do not 
consider specifically distinct from the ordinary species. 
General colour above, deep blueish lead-colour, barred with black ; 
crown of the head and upper part of neck nearly black; greater 
wing-feathers dusky, with oval whitespots. Tail similar to the back, 
and much barred ; beneath each eye a patch of black. Under parts, 
from chin to bottom of the breast, yellowish white, a brownish streak 
down the shaft of each feather. Thighs and remainder of body dirty 
white, barred with deep-brown. Bill blue; cere yellow; iris brown. 
The description and measurement are taken from a fine Huropean 
female in the South African Museum. A young male is more rufous 
on the back, and the under parts more mottled with brown. It is 
likewise much smaller. 
Fig. Gould, B. Gt. Br. part 1. 
50. Fanco minor. South African Peregrine Falcon. 
This Falcon seems to have a pretty general range over the colony, 
several specimens having reached us from different localities. We 
have likewise seen it on the wing several times near Cape Town, and 
purchased one in the flesh which was being carried through the town 
by ashooter. Mr. Atmore writes from Swellendam: “ It is notrare 
about here, but very difficult to get, except in the breeding time, 
when they come after the poultry.” 
Victorin notices it from Rondebosch and also from the Knysna. 
Dr. Atherstone records it from the neighbourhood of Grahams-town, 
and a specimen was obtained by Mr. Gueinzius in Natal. Mr. 
Andersson writes :—‘ I never observed but one individual of this 
Falcon, which I obtained at Objinere about two days journey from 
Objimbinque ;” but he subsequently obtained a specimen in 
Ondonga. 
Mr. J. Kotze found this species at the Berg River nesting in trees. 
The eggs generally three, are more or less spotted and stained with 
dry blood colour on a dirty cream coloured ground; they however 
vary very much. Axis, 1’’ 9’’’, Diam. 1” 4'"”, 
