THE APLOMADO FALCON. 



61 



This beautiful little bird is almost invaluable to the young falconer, as it is so docile in 

 disposition, and so remarkably intelligent in character, that it repays his instructions much 

 sooner than any of the more showy, but less teachable Falcons. Every movement of this 

 admii-able little hawk is full of life and vivacity ; its head turns sharply from side to side as it 

 sits on its master's hand, its eyes almost ilame with fiery eagerness, and it ever and anon gives 

 vent to its impatience by a volley of ear-piercing shrieks. There is, however, a singular capri- 

 ciousness in the character of the 

 Merlin, for it seems to be so sensi- 

 tive to certain influences which are 

 quite imperceptible to human organ- 

 ization, that the same individual 

 which on one day or at one hour is 

 full of fierce energy, chasing large 

 and powerful birds of its own ac- 

 cord, following the erratic course 

 of the sni-pe with a wing as agile 

 and far more enduring than its 

 own, or shooting suddenly through 

 the tangled branches of the under- 

 wood in pursuit of some prey that 

 is fleeing to the leafy abode for 

 refuge, will at another time become 

 listless and inanimate, and even if 

 it be induced to fly at its quarry, 

 will turn suddenly away as if 

 alarmed, and return languidly to 

 its perch. 



The PiGEOis- Hawk {Aesalon 

 columbarii(s). Tliis is a small 

 bird, but little larger than the 

 domestic Pigeon. It is bold and 

 swift of flight. It is a common 

 visitor in New England during the 

 spring and autumn. It is found in 

 every portion of the continent of 

 North America. Though so small, 

 it has been used in falconry. Sev- 

 eral varieties are known in different parts of the country 







^. 



iiHRutt.aii-r/ ^.."3 



MERLIN.— Falco aesalon. 



The Aplomado Palcok {Bhpnchofalcofusco-ccerulescens) is a southern species, inhabiting 

 all parts of South America, and reaching north as far as New Mexico. It is about the size of 

 the latter species, and has been trained as a hunting Falcon. The Chilians esteem it highly 

 as such. 



The genus Hypoti-iorchis is rather rich in interesting birds, among which may be noticed 

 the Pigeon Hawk of America and the Chicquera Falcon of India. 



The former of these birds is found not only on our continent, but also in parts of the West 

 Indies. Generally, however, it is found in Southern America, where it is rather plentiful, and 

 may be seen hunting for its prey in the proper localities. It is a spirited and swift- winged 

 bird, although not a very large one, measuring barely eleven inches in length, and not quite 

 two feet in the expanse of wing. A rather remarkable peculiarity in its plumage is found in 

 the feathery covering of the legs, which is singularly long, the tips of the feathers reaching 

 nearly to the feet. 



The usual prey of the Pigeon Hawk consists of mice, small birds, reptiles, and various 



