302 THE AMERICAN SPARROW HAWK. 
length 8.75-10.50 (222.3-206.7); av. of nine Columbus specimens: wing 7.24 
(183.9) ; tail 4.63 (117.6); bill .50 (12.7). Adult female length 9.00-12.00 
228.6-304.8) ; av. of eight Columbus specimens: wing 7.50 (190.5); tail 5.0 
(128.5) ; bill .52 (13.2). 
Recognition Marks.—Robin size, but appearing larger. The black markings 
about head, and rufous of upper parts distinctive. 
Nest, in hollow trees, often in deserted Woodpecker holes. Eggs, 4-6, some- 
times 7, creamy, buffy, or vinaceous, sprinkled and spotted with deeper shades of 
the ground color, or darker reddish browns. Av. size, 1.38 x 1.14 (35.1 X 20.). 
Range in Ohio.—North America east to the Rocky Mountains, and from 
Great Slave Lake south to northern South America. 
Range in Ohio.—Quite common resident. Less frequent in winter, especially 
in the northern counties. 
THE handsome appearance of this little Falcon, together with its com- 
parative fearlessness and gratifying abundance, make it rather the best-known 
bird of prey throughout the state. It is to be found almost anywhere, and 
pays us frequent visits in town, but its favorite perch is a dead tree-top or 
stub at the edge of the woods, or a telegraph pole commanding an unob- 
structed view. From these points of vantage the birds attentively watch the 
happenings on the 
ground and _ dive 
down whenever they 
think their presence 
is needed by mouse 
or grasshopper. 
Much time is spent 
also on the wing, 
passing rapidly from 
wood to field, or fly- 
ing slowly across a 
promising meadow, 
and pausing  fre- 
quently at a good 
height to study a sus- 
picious movement in 
alo cae. Ola. Photo by the Author. the grass below. A 
A FAVORITE PERCH. Hawi: Awillmenee 
over one spot for a minute at a time, and then pass on disappointed, or else 
pounce suddenly upon its prey and bear it off to some elevated perch for quiet 
consumption. When the wind is blowing strong the bird no longer flutters 
at its critical stops, but only balances on the wind, so nicely, indeed, that its 
Wings are almost motionless. 
Always graceful, the Sparrow Hawk is seen to best advantage during 
