FALco prNTcrs 181 



F. pitnicus the largest, and F. minor intermediate in size between the 

 other two ; whilst as regards the male sex, the dimensions of F. 

 harharus and F. minor are nearly identical, F. punicus being slightly 

 larger than either.' 



F. punicus appears to occur not unfrequently both in Algeria and 

 Marocco as well as in Tunisia, and the Lilford collection contains 

 examples chiefly from Tangier and Mogador. In the same collection 

 there is an adult male of F. punicus obtained at Viorna, Liebana, 

 Province of Santander, North-west Spain. This specimen is also 

 referred to in Mr. Gurney's table of measurements, likewise one from 

 the Island of Iviza, but the latter is no longer to be found in the 

 Lilford collection. According to Mr. Gurney, specimens of F. punicus 

 have also been obtained in the Mount Taurus district, from Smyrna, 

 and from Cape Spartel, and the species probably occurs through- 

 out the greater part, if not the whole, of the Mediterranean subregion. 

 A specimen from Egypt in the Lilford collection appears to be refer- 

 able to F. punicus, and is labelled as such. 



On most of the Italian Islands, as also in some parts of the 

 Peninsula itself, the species has undoubtedly been obtained. 



The two Sardinian Falcons for which Dr. Sharpe first proposed 

 the specific name of hrookei, but subsequently referred to F. pere- 

 grinus, no doubt really belong to this latter species, it we are to 

 judge from their measurements, which Mr. Gurney gives as follows: 

 "Female, killed April, 1869, one wing 13'70, the other wing 142.5, 

 tarsus 190, middle toe s.u. 215. Female, killed April, 1871, one 

 wing 13'50, the other wing 1390, tarsus 20, middle toe s.u. 2'10 

 inches." Mr. Gurney adds that he agrees with Dr. Sharpe in his 

 later opinion regarding these two Falcons. 



In most of the localities where it has been observed F. punicus 

 appears to be sedentary, but whether it is so throughout its entire 

 range, or whether it is migratory to a certain extent, remains yet 

 to be ascertained. 



In its habits it resembles F. peregrinus and, like that bird, 

 frequents rocky mountains and steep cliffs, particularly those on or 

 near the sea coast, where wild fowl and pigeons are abundant. 

 These birds constitute its favourite food, but it no doubt also preys 

 on other birds, as well as on small mammals, and possibly on reptiles. 

 It is said to be bold and courageous, as well as swift and dashing 

 in its flight. 



