ACCIPITRES. 



247 





PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco Peregrinus). 



Falcons ; " the boldest, the most perfectly winged, 

 and, in proportion to its weight, the strongest both 

 for action and endurance of all the feathered tribes."* 

 The bill of this bird is remarkable for its strength, 

 sharpness, and cutting power ; " there is no soft 

 part of an animal which it will not divide with the 

 greatest ease. It is also well formed for pulling 

 feathers ; and by means of it the Falcon can deplume 

 her game as neatly and with as little injury to the 

 flesh as the most expert poulterer. It can also cut 



* Mudie, Birds, p. 97. 



