23 



JEB-FALCON. 



PLATE XII. 



Falco Islandicus, LATHAM. GMELIN. 



" Gyrfalco, LINN^US. BEWICK. 



Gyrfalco candicans, FLEMING. 



THE noble and magnificent Jer establishes its eyrie not 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 incubation is particularly daring in attacking any aggressor. 



The nest is composed of sticks and roots, and is lined with wool, 

 moss, sea-weed, or probably any soft substance suitable for the 

 purpose which the builders can procure. The Jer-Falcon is supposed 

 to be in the habit of appropriating to itself the deserted nest of 

 other birds. 



The eggs are described as being of a light yellowish brown colour, 

 dotted with rusty red, with here and there an occasional patch of the 

 same; or dull white, mottled all over with pale reddish brown. They 

 are said to be two or three in number, and of an extremely elegant 

 appearance. 



One variety is of a reddish cast, mottled all over, particularly at 

 the larger end, with dashes of a brighter hue, with a very few occasional 

 spots of yellowish white. 



A second is of a somewhat similar appearance, but with the general 

 colour more blended, and the marks assuming more the form of streaks, 

 waved in different directions; a few of those near the smaller end being 

 darker than the rest. 



A third is of very much the same character as the last mentioned, 

 but its colour is changed to greenish brown, the markings being 

 darker shades of the same. 



A fourth assumes somewhat of a whitish appearance, marbled slightly 

 over, especially at the smaller end, with light orange brown. 



