590 



REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



The Common Goshawk (Astur palumbarius, Fig. 275) is by no 

 means rare in France and England. In summer it frequents the 

 oak and beech woods which cover the mountain sides, and sometimes 

 ventures near habitations to carry off fowls and pigeons. At the com- 

 mencement of autumn it descends into the plains, making its roosting 

 place on the skirts of some extensive wood, from which it darts out 

 upon partridges, grouse, or young leverets ; which form its principal 



food. It pursues larks with such 

 ardour that it often falls into the 

 snares set by fowlers for these 

 birds; but it will never attempt 

 to get free from the trap until it 

 has satiated its sanguinary appe- 

 tite. When hunting it skims over 

 the ground and bushes, carefully 

 inspecting each. Should it per- 

 ceive a victim, it approaches with 

 caution until within striking dis- 

 tance, when it suddenly darts 

 upon its prey with unerring pre- 

 cision. This bird is as large as 

 theGyrfalcon, but, although equal 

 in cunning and address, is pos- 

 sessed of less courage. 



The Goshawk is difficult to 

 tame ; its ferocious nature is not 

 subdued by captivity. In 1850, 

 a young one four months old, 

 kept in the Botanical Garden of 

 the Natural History Society of 

 Savoy, killed with its claws and 



bill a Kite the same age as itself, which had been its companion for 

 fifteen days. The young savage tore its victim to pieces, and fed 

 on the carcase, although it had not the least necessity for food, being 

 abundantly cared for. 



The Common Goshawk is also found in the north of Africa. Two 

 other species are known in North America. 



The Sparrow-hawks are distinguished from the preceding birds by 

 the slenderness of their tarsi. The Common Sparrow-hawk (Accipiter 

 nisus, Fig. 276) is found all over Europe. In France it is a constant 

 resident. Although smaller, it has much the same habits as the 

 Goshawk, but is bolder, and will carry off partridges, or other small 



Fig. 277. The Common Kite. 



