. 
_- 
wherever it appears. It is found throughout the 
greater part of the Northern Hemisphere. 
The true Falcons, formerly so much prized for 
the sport called Falconry, are much bolder and 
swifter birds, with far greater powers of endurance. 
The short strong beak is provided with one sharp 
tooth, and the legs are short, with very long toes, 
and curved, sharply-ridged claws; the wings are long 
and narrow. Their food consists of birds, which 
their rushing flight enables them to seize upon the 
wing, and they are consequently among the most 
destructive birds of prey. They fly most in the 
morning and evening. They build their nests in 
crevices among steep rocks, or on the summits of 
the loftiest forest-trees. 
Fig. d. In the Jerfalcon (Hierofaleo candicans) 
the prevailing colour is white, with darker longitudinal 
and transverse markings. It inhabits the extreme 
north of Europe, Asia and America, and makes its 
nests among steep rocks, especially near the sea. 
Plate IV. 
Fig. a. The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 
is much more widely distributed than the Jerfalcon, 
and is found in nearly all parts of the world, either 
as a resident, or as a casual visitor. 
Fig. b. The Hobby (Falco subbuteo) is one of 
the swiftest of the birds of 
prey. It feeds on small birds, 
especially larks. The adult 
male is dark brown above 
and white beneath, with 
blackish longitudinal streaks ; 
on the cheeks is a sharply- 
defined black streack. It is 
common in most parts of 
Europe and the adjacent 
countries. 
The Kestrels are distinguished from the true 
Falcons by their shorter toes and softer feathers. 
Fig. c. The Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is ashy 
grey on the head and tail 
in the adult male, and the 
back and wings are cinna- 
mon-colour with black lance- 6 
olate spots, the throat is gas 
white, and the rest of the 
undersurface of the body 
reddish yellow. It is com- 
mon in many parts of the 
Old World, migrating to- 
wards the south in winter. 
birds and insects. 
Fig. d. Our figure of the Sparrow Hawk 
(Aecipiter Nisus) is taken from an old male; the 
female is larger, and of a lighter colour. It is ex- 
ceedingly daring in its pursuit of the sparrows and 
other small birds on which it feeds. It 1s common 
throughout the greater part of Europe and Asia. 
Fig. e. The Chanting Falcon (Melierax musi- 
cus) is distinguished from the hawks by its more 
slender form, weaker beak, and longer and stronger 
legs, with shorter toes and claws. It is a sluggish 
bird, which feeds on insects and other small game. 
This bird is noted for its power of singing, an 
uncommon accomplishment among birds of prey, 

Ege of Hobby. 




Egg of Kestrel. 
It feeds on mice, small 



whose usual voice is a harsh scream; but its capa- 
cities as a songster appear to have been much 
exaggerated. It is a native of South. Africa. 
Family Ul.  Strigide. 
(Plate V.) 
The Owls have soft and very flossy plumage, 
which makes them look much larger than they really 
are. They have a large round head, a short sharp- 
pointed beak, very large eyes, surrounded with a 
ruff of feathers, wide ears, closing by a flap, short, 
feathered legs, and strong and very sharp claws. 
They fly about at twilight, or on clear nights, hunting 
for mice and other small animals which they may 
happen to meet with, either asleep or active. 
They make their nests in old walls, in the clefts of 
rocks, or in hollow trees. 
The Owls are divided into several genera, chiefly 
by the structure of their ears. 
In the Eagle Owls the ear is an oval cavity, 
which occupies only half of the hollow in the skull. 
There are two large tufts of feathers on the head, 
which are popularly called ears. 
(Owls.) 
Fig. a. The Eagle Owl (Sudo maximus) is the 
largest European species, and will attack even 
young fawns. It makes its nest in the clefts of rocks. 
In the genus Ofws, the ear is large and round, 
with a pointed flap, and these Owls have also two 
moveable tufts of feathers on the forehead. 
Fig. b. The Eared Owl (Otus vulgaris) is 
common in thick woods throughout Europe and the 
Northern parts of Asia and Africa. It feeds chiefly 
on mice, and should consequently be encouraged and 
protected. 
The genus U/u/a resembles Ludo in the struc- 
ture of its ears, but has no tufts of feathers on 
the head. 
Fig. c. The Brown Owl (Ulula aluco) likewise 
inhabits large woods, from whence it makes nightly 
excursions in pursuit of mice, moles &c. It is re- 
markable for its large broad cat-like head, but the 
body is much smaller than its loose plumage would 
lead one to suppose. 
In the genus S¢rzx, the ears resemble those of 
Otus, but the flaps are more complete, and the tufts 
on the head are wanting. The beak is only curved 
at the tip. 
Fig. d. The Barn Owl (Sta flammea) is the 
handsomest and most 
familiar of our European 
Owls. The white ruff of 
feathers round the eyes 
is very conspicuous. It 
is found in nearly all parts 
of the world, except the 
extreme North, makes its 
nest in old walls and ruins, 
and feeds chiefly on mice. 

Egg of Barn Owl 
The genus Athene has also small tufts. and 
rather small ears. 
Fis. e. The Little Owl (Athene noctua) is com- 
oe 
mon in many parts of Europe. It frequents human 
dwellings, and is found in church-towers , old build- 
ings and hollow trees. Superstitious people regard 
its cry as a death-omen. This harmless bird feeds 
chiefly on mice, and is sometimes seen flying by day, 
pursued by a mob of wag-tails, swallows &c. 
