158 THE RAPTORIAL BIRDS OF IOWA 



Duck Hawks were noted by Mr. Burge every year from 1892 to 

 1898. The birds arrived from the south during the first half of 

 March, usually at the time of the early flight of wild-fowl. Their 

 usual hunting time was in the early morning, and their call, a noisy 

 Kak-Kak-Kak, rapidly repeated and shrill, was frequently heard. 



In a former article the capture of a Teal Duck, as witnessed by my 

 friend, is described as follows : "The Falcon started in pursuit, and 

 the little Blue-winged Teal, realizing its danger, redoubled its speed 

 and began to squawk its alarm in unmistakable notes of fear. The 

 Falcon, flying parallel to and about a rod distant from its quarry, 

 with rapid beats of its wings, speedily gained a point opposite, and 

 then, with astonishing swiftness, struck the Teal almost at right 

 angles. The blow was delivered with such precision and such stun- 

 ning force that feathers flew in all directions." In their nests the 

 feathers of a Kingfisher and also those of a Flicker have been found. 



Messrs. James and Henry Ward of Britt have several times noted 

 Duck Hawks during the hunting season in the vicinity of Eagle lake 

 in Hancock county. They relate that on one occasion, while some 

 hunters were concealed in the rushes, a flock of Teal Ducks number- 

 ing about a dozen flew swiftly toward their place of hiding. At the 

 instant when the hunters delivered their volley, the ducks, catching 

 sight of a pursuing Duck Hawk, dashed downward into and under 

 the water, successfully avoiding the shot and eluding the Hawk. The 

 hunters believing they had bagged the entire flock, were greatly cha- 

 grined a moment later to see the hawk flying away, not one duck hav- 

 ing fallen either to their broadside or to the Falcon's claws. 



The writer collected an immature female of this species May 12, 

 1911, near Eagle lake, Hancock county. This individual was flying 

 over the rushes of the marsh at a height of about ten feet, evidently 

 hunting Rails, and successfully, as the examination of her alimentary 

 canal later proved. Mr. Ward reports that he has seen the Duck 

 Hawk catch White-bellied Swallows. 



Dr. Paul Bartsch pointed out to the writer while on a visit to 

 Washington, D. C, a lofty building, where a Duck Hawk resorted, 

 preying upon the tame pigeons which frequented the place in num- 

 bers. Protection was accorded it, notwithstanding the destruction 

 wrought among the doves, as evidenced by numerous "leg-bands" 

 which were found, because of the novelty of having one of the wild- 

 est and most solitary of Falcons in the very heart of the city. 



