RAPTORES. 97 
applies equally well to the bird under consideration, namely, 
that over the greater part of the country where the natural 
food, fish in the present case, is abundant it is a harmless 
bird and should be protected; while in sections where it’ is 
injurious to sheep or other domesticated animals it should 
not be allowed to become numerous.” ( Fisher.) 
There seem to’ be several well authenticated instances 
when this eagle has attacked human beings, for one cause or 
another, but it is equally true that it does not often do so. 
Indeed, the provocation would have to be great, for the 
birds are usually cowards in the presence of man. 
~ It is well known that the Bald Eagle’s regular practice 
is to wait until the Osprey has captured a fish when the 
eagle attacks him and forces him to drop it, whereupon the 
eagle secures it for himself. While it is hard on the Osprey 
it is easy for the eagle. 
133. (356.) FALCO PEREGRINUS ANATUM (Bonap.). 162. 
Duck Hawk. 
Synonyms: Falco communis var. anatum, Falco peregrinus ne- 
vius, F. peregrinus, F. anatum, F. communis. 
Peregrine Falcon, Great-footed Hawk, Wandering Falcon. 
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161, 178. 
The Duck Hawk seems to be the least known of our 
smaller hawks, yet it must be pretty well distributed over 
the state, at least in winter. It is one of the most fearless 
of our birds of prey, and a true Falcon in its swiftness of 
wing, quickness, and dash. It is able to overtake and kill 
a pigeon or teal in full flight. Nothing seems able to es- 
cape by its swiftness alone. It is also persistent to the last 
degree, following a flock of ducks or other birds for miles, 
often for days, killing whenever hungry. Hunters often 
complain that their kills have been seized by this hawk from 
_under their hands. 
Concerning the actual records for this hawk within the 
state there is little to say. Mr. Dury has taken several 
specimens at St. Mary’s reservoir; Dr. Jasper took one at 
Columbus; there is a specimen in the collection of Mr. 
