70 Mr. Peabody on the 
game, not being particular, and caring more for the 
quantity than the quality of its food. “It is easily 
tamed, and would be an amusing companion, were 
it not for its taste for chickens; the hen, no longer 
hen-hearted in defence of her young, gives battle 
to the little hawk and destroys him. I believe that 
the nest of this bird has not been found in our 
State. s 
The Picton Hawx, Falco columbarius, is rare in 
the western part of the state, and Nuttall had the 
impression that it was not seen in New England; 
but Dr. Brewer informs me that he has often found 
it in the vicinity of Boston. It is migratory in its 
habits, and, when in pursuit of its prey, cares not 
whither it goes. It siezes the robin, the wild pigeon, 
and even the gold-winged woodpecker, on the land ; 
and on the water, it pursues much larger birds, 
which can escape from it only by diving. It has 
been known to attack birds in cages, in the very 
heart of cities; and so indifferent is it to danger, 
that it does not even shun the presence of man, the 
common object of dread. When wounded, it throws 
itself on its back as the hunter approaches, and 
with angry screams, prepares to defend itself to the 
last. Where the pigeon hawk raises its young i$ 
not certainly known. It is not seen in the United 
States, except in early autumn and winter; in the 
Spring and summer, it is probably in the northern 
regions; but at other seasons it travels to the most 
southern boundaries of our country. 
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