244 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



the autumn, however, the families separate, and each indi- 

 vidual leads a solitary existence, until the annual return ot" 

 the reproductive period. 



Formerly, the European species was extensively trained 

 for the chase, and even now is sometimes thus utilized. Its 

 remarkable docility and wonderful flying powers render it 

 of immense service to the huntsman. Our own bird could 

 doubtless be equally efficient and useful. 



The eggs of this species are ordinarily four in number. 

 They vary considerably in size, coloring, and markings. They 

 are rounded-oval in contour, and have a deep cream-colored 

 background, which, in some cases, is so completely covered 

 by markings, as to be seldom visible. In many, a reddish 

 ground-color is apparently noticeable, being doubtless due 

 to the brownish markings by which it is almost wholly con- 

 cealed ; in others, a dark ferruginous -coating appears, which 

 varies considerably in depth of coloring, and deepens in 

 places, into almost perfect blackness ; while a few are but 

 sparingly marked with light brown blotches, thus showing 

 quite clearly the characteristic ground-color. According to 

 Dr. Brewer, they range from 2.00 to 2.22 inches in length, 

 and from 1.60 to 1.0,0 in breadth; the largest recorded, 

 having been obtained from Mount Tom, and measuring 2.22 

 !>v 1.70 inches. 



Falco columbarius, Linn. 



The Pigeon Hawk winters throughout the more temperate 

 parts of North America, and also in Mexico. Central Amer- 

 ica, and the northern portions of South America. It ranges 

 as far north as the Arctic coast, and is known to breed as 

 high as Fort Anderson. Mr. Dall gives it as a permanent 

 resident at Nulato ; and specimens were taken by BischofT, 

 at Kodiak. During the breeding-season, its southern limit 

 is Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Northern Maine, and likely 

 Vermont and New York. On the Pacific coast it is quite 

 abundant, and has been found breeding in Washington 



