RAPTORES. 97 



applies equally well to the bird under consideration, namely, 

 that over the greater part of the country where the natural 

 food, fish in the present case, is abundant it is a harmless 

 bird and should be protected; while in sections where it is 

 injurious to sheep or other domesticated animals it should 

 not be allowed to become numerous." (Fisher.) 



There seem to be several well authenticated instances 

 when this eagle has attacked human beings, for one cause or 

 another, but it is equally true that it does not often do so. 

 Indeed, the provocation would have to be great, for the 

 birds are usually cowards in the presence of man. 



It is well known that the Bald Eagle's regular practice 

 is to wait until the Osprey has captured a fish when the 

 6agle attacks him and forces him to drop it, whereupon the 

 eagle secures it for himself. While it is hard on the Osprey 

 it is easy for the eagle. 



133. (356.) Falco PEREGRiNUS ANATUM (Bonap.). 162. 

 Duck Hawk. 



Synonyms: Falco communis var. anatum, Falco peregrinus nse- 

 vius, F. peregrinus, F. anatum, F. communis. 

 Peregrine Falcon, Great-footed Hawk, Wandering Falcon. 

 Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161, 178. 



The Duck Hawk seems to be the least known of our 

 smaller hawks, yet it must be pretty well distributed over 

 the state, at least in winter. It is one of the most fearless 

 of our birds of prey, and a true Falcon in its swiftness of 

 wing, quickness, and dash. It is able to overtake and kill 

 a pigeon or teal in full flight. Nothing seems able to es- 

 cape by its swiftness alone. It is also persistent to the last 

 degree, following a flock of ducks or other birds for miles, 

 often for days, killing whenever hungry. Hunters often 

 complain that their kills have been seized by this hawk from 

 under their hands. 



Concerning the actual records for this hawk within the 

 state there is little to say. Mr. Dury has taken several 

 specimens at St. Mary's reservoir; Dr. Jasper took one at 

 Columbus ; there is a specimen in the collection of Mr. 



