FaLCOiVS. 



00/ 



straws protruding from the opening. From its extreme loquacity the bird always betrays its 

 nest. The young are easily reared upon sifted ground oats and raw beef chopped fine. 



Though its chattering kind of scream is not much of a recommendation, the Starling 

 is a very nice pet, and like most of this class, from the breadth of its tongue, may be 

 taught to whistle and talk with tolerably clear articulation. It will often form curious attach- 

 ments, especially if allowed to roam the house. 



The Starling should be fed and treated as the Thrush, giving a little fruit as a variation, 

 and any garden worms will be an especial treat. A mealworm, spider, or a few flies, or 

 other insects occasionally, will greatly add 

 to the bird's health and enjoyment. 



The Peregrine Falcon is a very 

 handsome specimen of a class of birds 

 that formerly were held in high estimation, 

 when falconry was almost a science and 

 the custom of hawking general. It is a 

 very noble bird, and especially gifted with 

 great powers of flight, which occasioned 

 utilisation for that sport. When wild its 

 food is of a very diverse character, 

 comprising birds and small quadrupeds, 

 especially partridges, plovers, pigeons, 

 rabbits, and rats. It is very docile, and 

 becomes very tame if reared from the 

 nest, when it may be fastened by the 

 leg to a stump, or block of wood, or 

 an ordinary parrot - stand, unless it be 

 kept in a large cage strewed with saw- 

 dust. It should be fed twice during the 

 day, and the food should be given to the 

 bird by hand, so as to keep it tame. We 

 feed one, which we have possessed nearly 

 six years, upon raw beef or mutton, pieces 

 of chicken's heads and necks (which are 



easily procurable from the poulterer), and a dead mouse or rat or a small bird about once 

 or twice a week. These latter are obviously especially good for the bird, tending to keep it in 

 health. The females are much larger than the males, and this feature holds good with the 

 whole of the Hawk tribe. 



Should the bird show indisposition, becoming weak, losing appetite, and moping, it is 

 advisable to give it as much powdered rhubarb as may be placed upon a sixpence, put inside 

 a small piece of meat about the size of an ordinary mouthful. 



PEREGRINE FALCON. 



The Ger Falcon is even a handsomer bird than the foregoing, but it is rather uncommon, 

 as is also the Red-footed Falcon, or Orange-legged Hobby, as it is sometimes called. One 

 of the latter birds we were once fortunate enough to take. These birds should be fed and 

 treated as recommended for the Peregrine Falcon. 

 43 



