THE HAWK TRIBE 



1943 



whitish, with longitudinal streaks of brown, which are largest on the flanks and 

 abdomen. The cere and feet are yellow, while the beak is greenish horn color. In 

 the young bird the feet are bluish green. When in its full adult dress, which is not 

 assumed till late, and but seldom seen, the saker becomes completely barred on the 

 whole of the upper surface with rufous, and is then compared by Dr. Sharpe to a 

 gigantic kestrel; the under parts being creamy white, with a few blackish spots 

 on the abdomen passing into bars on the flanks. 



SAKER FALCON. 

 (One-third natural size.) 



The range of the saker extends from Southeastern Europe and Northeastern 

 Africa through Central Asia to the north of China. Although not definitely known 

 to breed in the plains of India it extends from Afghanistan and Gilgit to Peshawur, 

 and thence straggles as far south as Dehli and Amballa. F. milvipes, of Central 

 Asia, is now regarded as a distinct species. This noble falcon is common in the 

 Danubian principalities, and generally frequents open country, although nesting in 



