283 RAPTORES. 



Of the genera, we name Astur, (proper name,) characterized 

 by its short beak, its somewhat oval nostrils, and the scutellated 

 acrotarsia, or highest parts of the tarsi. 



The GOSHAWK, (or Goosehawk,) A. palumbarius, (Lat. from 

 Palumbes, a wood-pigeon,) receives its name palumbarius, from 

 its preying upon pigeons. These, together with pheasants, par- 

 tridges and grouse, constitute its food. Hares and rabbits, also, 

 it sometimes devours. A full grown female is about twenty-four 

 inches in length ; the male bird is one-fourth, and sometimes 

 one-third less. The upper surface of the wings and tail feathers 

 is black; the throat and under parts nearly white, with spots and 

 bars of black. The Goshawk flies low, pursuing its prey in a 

 line after it, or in a manner which falconers call "raking." It 

 abounds in the forests of Continental Europe, and is found in the 

 temperate regions of Asia and America. It has been seen in the 

 neighborhood of Philadelphia, (Penn.) 



The Goshawk was also one of the falconry- birds ; the female 

 generally " flown " at the large- winged bird ; the male at par- 

 tridges. 



Birds of the genus decipher have smooth and elongated tarsi. 



The SPARROW-HAWK, A. fringiUarius, (Lat. fringilla, a chaf- 

 finch,) is the type-bird cf this Sub-family. It is widely spread 

 throughout Europe ; found also in Japan and Southern Africa. 

 The adult male is about twelve inches, the female fifteen inches 

 long. The individuals of this species show considerable diver- 

 sity of color. 



The Sparrow-Hawk is a great enemy of quadrupeds and small 

 birds, and is often very destructive to poultry. When taken 

 young, it is easily tamed, and then will " associate with quite in- 

 congruous companions." "A gentleman had a Sparrow-Hawk 

 which used to live in his dove-cote among his pigeons ; would ac- 

 company them in their flights, and be uneasy if separated from 

 its strange friends." 



It builds its nests upon high trees, laying four or five eggs of 

 bluish white, marked with dark brown. 



The CHANTING-HAWK, Melierax, (Gr. meh, honey ; hierax, a 

 hawk,) is the only known bird of prey whose voice has any 

 sweetness, or is at all pleasant to the ear. It is a native of Af- 

 rica. This Hawk chants every morning and evening ; sometimes 

 it continues its notes the whole night long. In size it equals a 

 Goshawk. 



