24 BRITISH BIRDS. 



pair or so, the birds becoming more numerous in the less frequented 

 districts, notably amongst the mountain-scenery of the Highlands and the 

 Western Isles, particularly in Skye, the bold rocky coast-line and moun- 

 tainous scenery of which is so well adapted to its wants and security, and 

 where it is universally known as the " Falcon." In Ireland the Peregrine 

 inhabits and breeds in all suitable localities throughout the island, both 

 on maritime cliffs and inland mountain districts. 



In the wideness of its distribution the Peregrine is equalled by few other 

 raptorial birds. It is a circumpolar bird, and breeds more or less regularly 

 in every country in Europe north of the basin of the Mediterranean up to 

 lat. 68, a considerable number migrating into North Africa &c. for the 

 winter. It also breeds throughout Asia north of the Himalayas, wintering 

 in India and Burma. It nests in North America wherever suitable loca- 

 lities are found, and has occurred in winter as far south as the Argentine 

 States of South America. 



The Peregrine's haunt is the open country the moorlands, mountain- 

 sides, and commons and waste lands near the sea being its favourite 

 places. Although by no means a common bird, still in suitable localities 

 it may be justly considered far from rare. Truly indeed the Peregrine is a 

 noble bird ; his courage when on the wing and his proud bearing when 

 seated on some naked branch or rock-pinnacle stamp him as one of the 

 most lordly of his race. A study of the Peregrine's habits leads the 

 observer into the wildest and grandest of scenery. His chattering cry 

 once heard can never be mistaken, usually uttered as he sails at some consi- 

 derable height in ever widening circles. It is wonderful how gracefully 

 he glides, not, perhaps, so evenly as the Buzzard, nor so lightly as the Wind- 

 hover, but with a peculiar motion strictly his own. Perched, it may be, on 

 some rocky boulder, he sits quite upright, his broad head ever and anon 

 turned anxiously from side to side, and his wings frequently half expanded as 

 though he were about to take wing. The Peregrine is indeed a bird of the 

 moor, the fjeld, and the tundra. The Grouse, the Ptarmigan, and the blue 

 hare supply him with his meal, and the mountain precipices a fitting 

 nesting-place. But the Peregrine is also found on the borders of 

 the ocean, choosing for his home some rocky islet or inaccessible sea- 

 washed cliff. Here the sea-fowl are his sustenance ; and here he remains 

 throughout the year, rearing his brood safe from the inroads of man, save, 

 indeed, the bold and hardy rock-climber, who, for the sake of gain, not 

 unfrequently robs his nest. 



The Peregrines breeding in our islands are non-migratory ; but in the 

 spring and autumn numbers of birds pass over, remaining some little 

 time to rest, and then proceeding again on their journey. These Falcons 

 usually attend the vast flocks of waders and water-birds migrating to or 

 from their breeding-grounds in the Arctic regions, and thus secure an 



