JER-FALCON 



PLATE XII. 



Falco Islandicus, .... LATHAM. GMELIN. 

 Falco Gyrfalco, .... LINNAEUS. BEWICK. 

 Gyrfalco candtcans, . . . FLEMING. 



HE noble and magnificent Jer establishes its eyrie not 

 1 only on the highest and most inaccessible rocks, but 

 also occasionally in cliffs that are of lower elevation, both 

 those of the sea coast and those of inland lakes ; and, like 

 so many other birds, when engaged in the task of incuba- 

 tion, is particularly daring in attacking any aggressor. 



The nest, which is very large, is composed of sticks 

 and roots, and is lined with wool, moss, sea - weed, deer's 

 hair, or probably any soft substance suitable for the pur- 

 pose which the builders can procure. The Jer-Falcon is 

 occasionally in the habit of appropriating to itself the deserted 

 nest of other birds. 



There are several forms of the Jer-Falcon which, accord- 

 ing to the views of different authorities, are regarded as one 

 species, or described as distinct and regarded as the Jer-Falcon, 

 the Greenland Falcon, and the Iceland Falcon respectively. 

 Neither can be regarded as British, though specimens of each 

 have accidentally occurred in the British Isles. 



The eggs are described as being of a light yellowish 



