OBSERVATIONS ON CANADIAN BIRDS. 13 
The same mistake was made with the Golden Eagle of Britain, the 
young of which was described as the Ring-tailed Eagle, till they 
have now been proved beyond doubt, to be the same. This species 
is also American, several specimens having during the past winter been 
found near Toronto. Besides the foregoing, there are various other 
species of Eagle said to be found on this part of the continent, one of 
which was discovered by Audubon and named by him after Washington, 
but from the real scarcity of the species, and the difference which 
exists among birds of different ages, we cannot at present speak of 
them with any degree of certainty. 
The most interesting genus of the Falconide is that which in- 
cludes the true falcons; these are distinguished from the other 
members of the family, by their comparatively short and hooked beak, 
long and pointed wings, by a tooth-like process near the tip of the 
upper mandible, and by the dash and courage they exhibit when 
striking their prey on the wing; there is probably no other bird so 
admired by the sportsman, or feared by the waterfowl, as the Peregrine 
Falcon. We have often heard those who periodically visit Long 
Point, or Baptiste Creek, to practise Duck shooting, speak with 
enthusiasm of the exploits of the Bullet Hawk, as he is termed by 
the gunners ; he is described as flying at considerable height above the 
marshes, which are dotted with flocks of geese, ducks, teal, and 
widgeon, his quick eye marking every movement that is made below. 
While these keep the water, they are comparatively safe, as they can 
elude their pursuer by diving, but if, in the excitement caused by the 
presence of so dreaded an enemy, they should attempt to escape by 
flight, then is the time to witness the stoop of the falcon, who singling 
from the affrighted fiying flock, the victim he has destined for his 
prey, descends with a rush, which the eye can scarcely follow, and 
strikes it to the earth in an instant. So suddenly does the bird fall on 
being struck, that it was long supposed the blow was given by the 
breast-bone of the hawk. This opinion has by close observation been 
proved incorrect, and specimens so prostrated, when picked up are 
found to be so lacerated on the back as to leave no doubt that the 
stroke is given by the feet. This noble bird is well known to the 
residents on Burlington Beach, where he has frequently been observed 
coursing along in quest of his favorite prey, but from the uncertain 
nature of his visits, and the rapidity of his flight, no specimen has yet 
been procured. A recent writer professes to have found specific 
