RICHARDSON MERLIN 
357b. Falco columbarius richardsonii, 12 in. 
Both adults and young are similar to the same of 
the last species, but they are much paler colored, and 
the tail is crossed by six light bars. The habits of this 
species, which seems to have quite a limited range, are 
precisely like those of the Pigeon Hawk. Like that 
species, it flies swiftly, with rapidly beating wings, and 
occasionally sails and soars. The under surface of the 
wings is prominently barred, but not as much so as 
- that of the Pigeon Hawk; it is very conspicuous when 
in flight. 
Nest.—Either in hollow trees, or a rude platform of 
sticks, usually not very high from the ground; eggs 
buffy white, handsomely blotched with brown. (1.60 
x¢ I) 
Range.—From the Miss. to the Rockies, and from 
Mexico north to Saskatchewan, locally distributed. 
