114 



THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



RICHARDSON'S MERLIN. 



Falco richardsonii. 



Eicbardsoii's Merlin inhabits tbe interior of Nortli America, breed- 

 ing from Colorado and western Kansas northward, and wintering- in 

 Texas, Arizona, and probably Mexico. Stragglers are fonnd westward 

 as far as the Pacific coast. This Falcon is so closely related to 

 the Pigeon Hawk, the main difference being its lighter color, that it is 

 with the greatest hesitation that the writer treats of it separately, es- 

 pecially as intermediate specimens are at hand. So far as known 

 there is nothing in the food, nesting, or other habits in which it differs 

 in the least respect from the Pigeon Hawk, and what is said under the 

 latter bird applies equally well to the former. A specimen shot by 

 Dr. Coues, at the headwaters of the Mouse River, Korth Dakota, Sep- 

 tember 8, 1873, was found to contain the remains of a sparrow. The 

 only stomach the writer has examined personally contained the remains 

 of a Lincoln's sparrow, and was collected by Mr. Charles W. Eichmond, 

 in Gallatin County, Montana. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Middle tail feathers crossed by 5 dark and 6 light bands. 

 Size and color much the same as the Pigeon Hawk, but averaging 

 lighter. 



Table showing the results of examinations of 4 stomachs of Bichardson's Falcon 

 {Falco richardsonii). 



Summary.— Of 4 stomachs examined, 2 contained birds and 1 insects, and 1 was empty. 



APLOMADO FALCON. 



Falco fusco-coerulescens. 



The Aplomado Falcon is a tropical species inhabiting the greater part 

 of South America, Central America, Mexico, and extending northward 

 into southern Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The plains, which 

 bear a scattered growth of joicca, mesquit, and cactus, are the home 

 of this bird; and in portions of Arizona and New Mexico, where this 

 character of country exists, it is not an uncommon species. 



