113 



They build in the tall tufts of grass or rushes 

 which grow in marshy places, and the female lays 

 four or five nearly round eggs, entirely white. 



HAWK, SPAEEOW. 



FALCO NISUS, Lin. 



This destructive and well-known species is re- 

 markable for the great difference in size between 

 the male and female, the former seldom measuring 

 twelve inches in length, while the latter often 

 exceeds fifteen inches. It is one of the boldest of 

 its genus ; and the female, from her superior size, 

 is a fatal enemy to partridges and other game, as 

 well as to pigeons. It flies low, skimming over 

 the ground with great swiftness, and pounces on 

 its prey upon the wing with unerring aim. It is 

 common in most parts of the kingdom, particularly 

 frequenting the lower grounds and well-wooded 

 inclosures. It builds in low trees or thorn bushes, 

 forming a shallow and flat nest, composed of slender 

 twigs y and very similar to that of the Eing Dove 

 but rather larger, The eggs, of which from four 

 to six are generally found, are of a pale blue 

 colour, blotched more or less, chiefly at the 

 larger end, with reddish brown. In the Orkneys, 

 where it is abundant, it breeds in the rocks and 

 sea-cliffs. 



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