Mr. H. E. Dresser on the Birds of Southern Texas. 323 



but, not having my gun with me, could not procure one to make 

 sure whether they belonged to this species. 



Falco anatum, Bonaparte. Duck-Hawk. 



Several of my friends at Matamoras, and also Mr. Pierce, the 

 United States' Consul, described to me a Falcon found there 

 during the winter, following the vast flocks of wild fowl, which 

 can be no other than this. Several were shot, but they were 

 unable to preserve a single skin ; however, they gave me a pretty 

 accurate description of the bird. At San Antonio, where I win- 

 tered, I saw none. 



Falco columbarius, Linnaeus. Pigeon-Hawk. 



Common about Bexar and the adjoining counties during the 

 whole year, and occasionally breeds near the Medina River. In 

 December 1 saw several, when on a journey to Eagle Pass from 

 San Antonio, and on my excursions in the neighbourhood of 

 Eagle Pass. 



Falco polyagrus, Cassin. Prairie-Falcon. 



Common during the winter on the prairies near San Antonio, 

 and still more common towards Bandera. A few remain to breed -, 

 but I did not succeed in procuring the eggs. In June, Dr. Heer- 

 mann noticed one strike and carry off a young Turkey j therefore 

 it probably had young ones near. In December, when at Eagle 

 Pass, I found them common there. 



Tinnunculus sparverius (Linnaeus). American Kestrel. 



This beautiful little Hawk I found quite common near San 

 Antonio and to the eastward throughout the whole year. It 

 breeds, I was told, in the neighbourhood of San Antonio, nesting 

 in a hollow tree. To the westward of San Antonio I found 

 them scarcer, and noticed none on the Bio Grande. 



AcciPiTER cooPERi, Bouapartc. Cooper's Sparrow-Hawk. 



Not uncommon about San Antonio, where I procured several 

 specimens. I also shot specimens in November on the Bandera 

 hills, and in December at Eagle Pass. Breeds on the Attascosa 

 and Medina. A lad procured me the eggs early in April at the 

 former place, shooting the bird on the nest, but, with true Texan 

 carelessness, broke them all in bringing them to San Antonio. 



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