71 



distinguished more by the shape than by the colour 

 of the markings. Both species are only occasional 

 visitors to this country ; the Gyr Falcon being for 

 the most part confined to the cold regions of both 

 continents, and particularly Iceland, whence it was 

 formerly obtained for the Eoyal Falconers in Nor- 

 way. It preys chiefly on the Ptarmigan, and as 

 winter approaches it leaves the mountains and 

 follows them in their migration towards the sea 

 shore. It breeds in the most remote and rocky 

 districts of Norway and Sweden. The eggs, which 

 are two inches and three-eighths long and about 

 two inches broad, are mottled nearly all over with 

 pale reddish brown on a dull white ground. 



FALCON, PEREGRINE. 



FALCO PEEEGRINUS, Penn. 



The Peregrine Falcon, which is rather inferior in 

 size to the Jer Falcon, bears a great resemblance 

 to it in form, and is even more graceful. It was 

 formerly held in great estimation for hawking pur- 

 poses. It is a permanent resident in Great Britain, 

 in many parts of which it occurs, but more espe- 

 cially in the northern parts of Scotland and its 

 islands. It is also found in Norway, Sweden, 

 Lapland, and America. It preys chiefly on 

 grouse and the smaller species of wild fowl. 



