CLASS II. AVES: ORDER 1. RAPTORES. 



25 



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SPARROW-HAWKS. 



sight of him, he may attack them unawares, the sparrow-hawk no sooner appears than the alarm 

 is given, and the whole posse of jays follow. 



The American Pigeon-Hawk, F. columbarius, is migratory in its habits, returning to the 

 Southern States about November, and in summer extending its excursions as far north as Hud- 

 son's Bay. It is eleven inches long, the upper parts being of a dark brown ; the lower parts 

 brownish-white, streaked with dark brown ; the legs are yellow ; the claws black. Small birds 

 and mice are its principal food. When, toward autumn, the reed-birds, grackles, and red-winged 

 blackbirds congregate in large flights, it is often observed hovering in their rear, or on their 

 flanks, picking up the weak, the wounded, or stragglers, and frequently making a sudden and 

 fatal sweep into the very midst of their multitudes. The flocks of robins and pigeons are honored 



Vol. II.— 4 



