A BIRDLQVER'S YEAR 



falconry, but they lacked the energy and 

 the supreme " go " of the peregrine. 



The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 

 has a most extensive range, and, happily, is 

 still a British breeding bird, the nest being 

 generally found on some lofty crag or cliff. 

 In the north of Scotland plenty of pairs still 

 breed, whilst in the south of England a pair 

 nested for many years in the Isle of Wight. 

 Peregrines are found all over Europe, with 

 the exception of Iceland and Spitzbergen, 

 and extend across Siberia, China, Japan, and 

 thence to the Malay Islands, whilst they 

 are also to be found in North-Eastern Africa. 

 In India the Shahin Falcon (Falco peri- 

 grinator) takes the place of the peregrine, 

 and this bird is largely employed by Indian 

 falconers. 



It was because of its wandering habits 

 that the peregrine received its name, this 

 being derived from peregrinus, a wanderer. 

 The eggs of this falcon, usually four in 

 number, are large in size, and covered over 

 with blotches of dark red. The game pre- 

 server may have a grudge against the 

 peregrine, for undoubtedly it levies a severe 

 toll upon many birds, including grouse and 



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