BIRDS OF KANSAS. 277 



bers rather than self-sustaining, they do not lack in courage nor 

 in ability to capture their prey. I have, on several occasions, 

 seen them plunge for and catch fish that were swimming near 

 the surface of the water; they also readily kill Ducks, Geese, 

 lambs, little pigs, etc. They are easily tamed. One that I had 

 in confinement for a long time, became not only familiar, but ap- 

 peared to be greatly attached to me, and would recognize me at a 

 long distance, calling loudly, and on my near approach, with quiv- 

 ering wings, and in various ways, expressed joy, keeping up a soft, 

 whistling note that was at times quite musical until I reached 

 her. She loved to be petted; would rub her head against my 

 face, and allow me to lift her from the perch; a rather rough 

 playmate, that often tore my clothes in attempting to alight upon 

 my shoulder, but not intentionally, and never appeared to be 

 angry with me, but would not allow strangers to touch her. 



Their nests are usually placed on high trees, along the banks 

 of streams, but occasionally, where trees are iiot convenient, 

 built on high, rocky cliffs; a huge platform structure, made of 

 large sticks, and lined with twigs, grasses, and a few feathers. 

 Eggs usually two, sometimes as high as four; average measure- 

 ments, as given by others, about 2.90x2.30; but two, that I col- 

 lected at is eah Bay, Washington, only measure: 2.50x1.95, 2.60 

 x2.00; dull white, unmarked; inform, rounded oval. 



SUBFAMILY FALCONING. FALCONS. 



Nostril small, circular, with a conspicuous central bony tubercle, or else nar- 

 row, obliquely vertical, with the upper end the posterior one. (Ridgway.) 



GENUS FALCO 



"Bill strong, its breadth at the base equaling or exceeding its height; upper 

 outline of cere on a level with, or rather lower than, the base of the culmen; 

 gonys much arched, the chord of the arch equaling about half that of the cul- 

 meii. Near the tip of the upper mandible is a prominent tooth on the commis- 

 sure, and near the end of the lower mandible, which is truncated, is a deep 

 notch corresponding; the end of the upper mandible is compressed, giving the 

 situation of the tooth an inflated appearance when viewed from above. Nostrils 

 circular, with a conspicuous central tubercle. Orbital region bare; projecting 

 superciliary shield conspicuous, arched, but not very prominent. Tail shorter 

 than wing, the feathers hard and stiff. Primaries very strong, elongated, taper- 

 ing rapidly toward their points; only the first or first and second with their 

 inner webs emarginated, the cutting being angular, and near the end of the 



