64 JER-FALCON. 



a rabbit warren, near Dunfanaghy, in the county of Donegal; 

 another near Drumboe Castle, in the same county; and the 

 third in the year 1803, near Kandalstown, in the county of 

 Antrim. 



The flight of the Jer-Falcon, which resembles that of the 

 Peregrine, but is more lofty and swifter, is astonishingly rapid: 

 it has been computed that this bird flies, when at its speed, 

 at the rate of one hundred and fifty miles an hour. It is 

 said to use its wings with more action than is required in the 

 sailing motion of some species. It captures its prey by rising 

 above them, hovering for a moment, and then descending upon 

 them, and generally with unerring aim; not, however, per- 

 pendicularly, but with a literal stoop. If it misses its first 

 stroke, it again ascends over its victim, and repeats the attack. 



The food of this species consists of the smaller animals 

 and the larger birds, such as hares and rabbits, geese, grouse, 

 partridges, whimbrels, curlews, guillemots, ducks, plovers, and 

 other sea and land fowl. 



The Jer-Falcon breeds not only in the highest and most 

 inaccessible rocks, but also occasionally in cliffs which are of 

 lower elevation, both those of the sea-coast and those of inland 

 lakes, and when engaged in the task of incubation, is partic- 

 ularly daring in attacking any aggressor. 



The nest is composed of sticks and roots, and is lined with 

 wool, moss, sea-weed, or probably any soft substance suitable 

 for the purpose which the builder can procure. It is supposed 

 to be in the habit of appropriating to itself the deserted nests 

 of other birds. 



The eggs are believed to be of a light yellowish brown 

 colour, dotted with rusty red, with here and there an occasional 

 patch of the same; or dull white, mottled all over with pale 

 reddish brown. They are said to be two or three in number. 



It is impossible not to be struck by the general resemblance 

 of this species, especially in plumage, and partially also in 

 shape, to the Snowy Owl, its noble companion in the icy regions 

 of the north. When of full age the whole plumage is white. 

 I have seen perfectly immaculate specimens in the possession 

 of Mr. Hugh Reid, of Doncaster. The whole plumage is close 

 and well set. Length, from twenty-two inches to two feet; 

 bill, rather short, but thick and strong, much hooked, and of 

 a pale blue or greenish grey colour. Much stress has been 

 laid upon the tooth, as it is called, as establishing a specific 



