THE LITTLE FALCON. 



Falco Sparverivs. Linn. 



The genus Falco, even when limited as in the preceding- 

 article, will still admit of farther subdivision. Thus the 

 present bird forms part of a natural section in which 

 the wings are not elongated to the same extent as in 

 the more strictly typical species, and the toes are shorter 

 and less stronoly tuberculate. The species referable to 

 this division, (of which the European Kestril may be 

 regarded as the type,) are also, generally speaking, of 

 smaller stature ; they are unable to mount in the air 

 with equal rapidity, or to descend upon their prey with 

 the same irresistible impetus ; and they consequently 

 take it more frequently upon the ground or the perch. 

 Mice, reptiles, and even insects form a considerable 

 part of their food. In most other important particulars, 

 such as the relative dimensions of their quill-feathers, 

 the strength and curvature of their talons, and the 



