SPARROW HAWK. 



121 



other nests at the same time the Hawks were endeavoring- to raise their 

 brood. 



In Florida it begins to breed early in March; in the latitude of 

 l^ew York about the middle of May, and in the northern part of its 

 range it is probably June before the eggs are deposited. Tlie nuinl^er 

 of eggs in one nest is usually five, rarely more. 



Its ordinary flight is irregular and not long continued. Even in 

 migration it often stops to rest on a tree top or fence post, where it may 

 remain a considerable time. Still it is capable of very rapid flight. It 

 rarely if ever soars as do most of the other Hawks. Sometimes it makes 

 a succession of rapid beats with its wings and sails for a short distance, 

 but usually, when in search of food, instead of circling it hovers, remain- 

 ing stationary with rapid-moving wings. If it perceives its quarry it 

 drops to the ground to seize it, and, if successful, bears it away to a 

 neighboring stub or fence pole to devour. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Small, wings narrow and pointed; top of head bluish gray or dark 

 slate, the crown with or without a rufous patch. 



Male. — Tail chestnut rufous, crossed by a broad black band near end; 

 wings grayish blue, more or less spotted with black. Above: Eufous, 

 with or without black bars or spots. Below: Varying from white to 

 deep rufous, with or without black spots. 



Female. — Tail, wings, and back crossed by numerous narrow bands of 

 dusky. 



Length: 8.75 to 12 inches (222 to 305™'^^); extent, 20.75 to 22.75 

 inches (527 to 577'"'"); wing, 6.55 to 8.15 inches (166 to 207""') 5 t^^il? 

 4.20 to 5.60 inches (105 to 142'""). 



Tahle showing the results of examinations of 320 stomachs of the Sx)arrow Haivlc 



(Falco sparverius). 



