SPARROW HAWK 



401 



in the late summer and fall, at which time it consumes large 

 numbers of grasshoppers. It also eats caterpillars, other insects, 

 and spiders. At least one-fourth of its food consists of field mice, 

 shrews, and field-dwelling house mice. It occasionally preys upon 

 young birds, but this is not a common trait of this species. A 

 Biological Survey bulletin states: "Out of four hundred and ten 

 stomachs examined, three hundred and fourteen were found to 



FIG. 393. Virginia quail or hob ,\tiu (After Fuertes.) 



contain insects, one hundred and twenty-nine, small mammals, and 

 seventy, small birds." We unhesitatingly class this species with 

 our useful birds. It is found throughout the United States, breed- 

 ing wherever it is a summer resident. 



It is about ten inches long. The back of the male is brownish 



red or rufous, with black bars. The tail is rufous, with a black 



band near the end; the extreme end is white. The head is bluish, 



with brown shadings. The under parts are spotted with black. 



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