of the Norfolk and Suffolk Birds. 5 



to attack them if they approach too near : he has, however, a 

 little of the coward about him, as this is generally done when 

 their backs are towards him. AVe saw his manner of devouring 

 a large puppy. He ate the Avhole of the head, and then from 

 the neck picked out the remainder of the bones and Hesh, dex- 

 terously turning the skin inside out as he proceeded. His note 

 at first a good deal resembled that of the Raven ; at present it is 

 more like that of the Cheat black-backed Gull. 



9. F. Nisus (Sparrow-Hawk). 



We have been favoured by Mr. Harrison with the following 

 observations upon this species. — " This bird may be taken in a 

 similar manner to that described for taking the Kestril, — by 

 limed twigs and a spaiTow. His disposition, however, appears 

 much more shy and fearful of the human species than that of the 

 other. I made an experiment to tame one last summer. He was 

 brought to me whilst very young, and every possible care was 

 taken to gain his attachment ; but this proved of no avail : he 

 was fierce, savage and fearful, and without any attachment to 

 those who fed him. His wing was cut, to prevent him from 

 preying upon living birds. AVhen oppressed with hunger he 

 would come upon my arm, if T approached him and showed him 

 either bird, mouse, or flesh of any kind, but would not long 

 remain unless he had something given him. He had a stand in 

 the garden, where he was regularly fed whilst young ; but when 

 he became capable of flying to a distance, he would not remain 

 there to eat what was placed upon it, unless it was fastened by 

 a string or wire ; and even then he would leave it on the ap- 

 pearance of any of the domestics who had been in the habit of 

 feeding him, or of any animal. M'hen I gently approached him 

 myself, at the same time calling to him, he would sometimes 

 remain. His favourite abode was in a meadow near the house, 



perched 



