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distinguished more by the shape than by the colour 
of the markings. Both species are only occasional 
visitors to this country; the Gyr Falcon being for 
the most part confined to the cold regions of both 
continents, and particularly Iceland, whence it was 
formerly obtained for the Royal Falconers in Nor- 
way. It preys chiefly on the Ptarmigan, and as 
winter approaches it leaves the mountains and 
follows them in their migration towards the sea 
shore. It breeds in the most remote and rocky 
districts of Norway and Sweden. The eggs, which 
are two inches and three-eighths long and about 
two inches broad, are mottled nearly all over with 
pale reddish brown on a dull white ground. 
FALCON, PEREGRINE, 
Fatco PEREGRINUS, Penn. 
The Peregrine Falcon, which is rather inferior in 
size to the Jer. Falcon, bears a great resemblance 
to it in form, and is even more graceful. It was 
formerly held in great estimation for hawking pur- 
poses. It is a permanent resident in Great Britain, 
in many parts of which it occurs, but more espe- 
cially in the northern parts of Scotland and its 
islands. It is also found in Norway, Sweden, 
Lapland, and America. It preys chiefly on 
grouse and the smaller species of wild fowl. 
