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ASTUR FUSCUS— GMEL. 



SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. 



Slate-colored Hawk, Falco velox, Wils. Amer. Om. 



Sharp-shinned Hawk, Falco velox, Bonap. Syn. 



Accipiter Pennsylvanicus, Slate-colored Hawk, Sw. &. Rich. 



American Brown or Slate-colored Hawk, Nutt. Man. 



Sharp-shinned or Slate-colored Hawk, Falco fuscus, Aud. Amer. Orn. 



Specific Character — Tarsi long, very slender. Adult with 

 the upper part of the head dark brown ; back slate color ; the tail 

 with four brown and distinct bands, the tips white ; lower parts 

 barred with light red and white; wings brownish-black; tarsi 

 more slender than any of this genus. Young, with the upper 

 parts dark brown ; lower parts yellowish-white, broadly streaked 

 with reddish-brown. Length of male eleven inches, wing 

 six and three quarters. Female about two inches and a half 

 longer. 



This species is found in all the Atlantic States, On Long 

 Island it is not very abundant. In spirit it is not surpassed by any 

 of its tribe. Its flight is performed in an irregular and vigorous 

 manner, and at times ascends to a very great elevation. It preys 

 on mice, lizards, and small birds, and like the rest of its tribe, 

 visits the poultry yard. 



With this species, as is the case with all the rest of the Hawks, 

 we find they vary much in measurement. Thus we see that in 

 most cases length and extent can be used only as auxiliaries to 

 specific characters. Of the present species I have seen adult males 

 considerably less than our measurement, and I have now before me 

 a young female the length of which is fifteen inches. 



