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They build in the tall tufts of grass or rushes 
which grow in marshy places, and the female lays 
four or five nearly round eggs, entirely white. 
HAWK, SPARROW. 
Fatco nisus, Lin. 
This destructive and well-known species is re- 
markable for the great difference in size between 
the male and female, the former seldom measuring 
twelve inches in length, whilst the latter often 
exceeds fifteen inches. It is one of the boldest of 
its genus; and the female, from her superior size, 
is a fatal enemy to partridges and other game, as 
well as to pigeons. It flies low, skimming over 
the ground with great swiftness, and pounces on 
its prey upon the wing with unerring aim. It is 
common in most parts of the kingdom, particularly 
frequenting the lower grounds and well-wooded 
inclosures. It builds in low trees or thorn bushes, 
forming a shallow and flat nest, composed of slender 
twigs, and very similar to that of the Rmg Dove, 
but rather larger. The eggs, of which from four 
to six are generally found, are of a pale blue 
colour, blotched more or less, chiefly at the 
larger end, with reddish brown. In the Orkneys, 
where it is abundant, it breeds in the rocks and 
sea-cliffs. 
