312 CASSELl/S BOOK OF BIRDS. 



eyrie is found in holes of trees, and that the brood consists of from five to seven eggs ; whilst Tschudi, 

 on the contrary, tells us that the nest is placed upon rocks or old buildings, and that not more than 

 two or three eggs are laid ; these are round, of a white or reddish yellow tint, and spotted with 

 brownish red. At the approach of winter the greater number of these birds migrate to Brazil ; some 

 few stragglers, however, remain throughout the year in their native country. 



The DWARF FALCONS (Hierax), the smallest members of the Falcon group are met with 

 in Southern Asia ; they do not exceed a Lark in size, but are as courageous and bold as the largest 

 of their marauding fraternity ; they are recognisable by their short powerful beak, the upper 

 mandible of which is toothed, and furnished on each side with a projecting appendage; by their short 

 wings, of which the second and third quills are longer than the rest ; and by their very short tail, 

 cut straight at its tip ; the tarsi are short and strong, the middle toe slightly elongated, and the claws 

 very powerful. These elegant little Falcons, which from their appearance have been compared to small 

 Parrots, are inhabitants of India and the Moluccas, no less than six different species having been 

 described as belonging to those parts. 



THE MUTI. 

 The Muti {Hierax aerulescens) is about seven inches long ; the wing measures three and a half 

 inches, and the tail two inches and a quarter. The top of the head, nape, tail, and the long silky 

 feathers that form the hose are of a blueish black ; the face, part of the head, throat, breast, and a 

 stripe which passes from the corner of the beak to the shoulder are reddish white ; the belly is rust 

 red ; the tail is ornamented with round white spots, which form four delicate borders, and the wings are 

 adorned in a similar manner. The eye is dark brown, the beak and feet blueish black. This 

 species is found throughout the whole of Southern Asia, and is extensively employed by the inhabitants 

 of the countries it frequents in the pursuit of quails and other birds of considerable size. When used 

 for this purpose the falconer carries the Muti in the palm of his hand, and tosses it like a stone into 

 the air towards its intended prey; it is from this circumstance that the species has received its Indian 

 name, the word " Muti " signifying a handful. Nothing can exceed the boldness displayed by this 

 small Falcon during the chase ; it will attack birds much larger than itself with unflinching courage, 

 rushing down upon them after the manner of a Hawk. 



