io6 RAPTORES: Birds of Prey 



FALCONID^E (Family Falcons and Caracaras). Falcons are 

 characterized by long, pointed wings, and a peculiar notch in 

 the bill. On the wing they are distinguished from the Hawks 

 proper by the buoyant, sweeping flight. 



PRAIRIE FALCON 



(355. Falco mexicanus) 17-20 in. 



Grayish brown above; white below, breast finely streaked 

 brown or dusky, flanks dusky-barred; dark moustaches (malar 

 streaks) contrast with snow-white throat. 



Immatures have rusty edgings above, strong dusky striping 

 below; heavier and darker flank-markings than in adult. 



A pointed-winged bird, in general shape and action suggesting 

 a greatly overgrown Sparrow Hawk. 



DUCK HAWK 



(356a. Falco peregrinus anatum) 15^-20 in. 



Bluish slate above; white or buffy below, sides dusky-splashed, 

 spotted, or finely barred; sides of head dusky, edged with a broad, 

 black malar streak (much heavier and darker than in Prairie 

 Falcon) . 



Young: Rusty-edged above; below heavily striped with black 

 on rusty buff. 



A bird of marvelous wing power. Destroys great numbers of 

 wild ducks and diving sea-birds, easily overtaking and striking 

 or fastening to them in the air. 



PIGEON HAWK 



(357. Falco columbarius columbarius) 10-13 in. 



Male: Bluish above, with buffy nape band; throat white; other- 

 wise under parts are tawny or buffy, brown-streaked; tail dusky, 

 with three whitish bars. 



Female: Similar, but brown above. 



What the Duck Hawk is to water-birds, this little Falcon is to 

 small land-birds, which seek cover instantly when it appears, 

 though they give scant attention to that commoner Falcon, the 

 Sparrow Hawk. 



