i^ALCO SUBiNIGEE. 



(Black Falco7i.) 



TuE whole of tlie plumage, dark sooty brown, tlie feathers of the upper surface and wings, margined with a lighter tint ; chin, whitish ; 

 irides, dark brown ; bill, lead color ; cere, yellow ; legs and feet, leaden yellow ; claws black. 



Expanse of Male, 34 inches ; length, 20 ; wing, 14 ; tail, 9 ; bill, li ; tarsus, 2 ; mid-toe, 2\. 



The Female is considerably larger, but similar in her coloring. 



The information respecting this noble species of Falcon is as yet extremely meagre, and from its excessive rarity, it is likely 

 that a long period may elapse before any definite knowledge is acquired respecting it. It was first recorded by Mr Grould as inhabiting 

 South Australia. Captain Sturt met with it at the Depot, when two specimens (a male and female) were procured. During his long 

 detention at that memorable spot he only saw two other examples. It has since been obtained by Mr. White and others in South Australia. 

 It has recently been proved that this bird is not so strictly confined to the interior as was at first supposed, from the fact of Mr. Waller, of 

 Brisbane, having shot a fine male near the city. He subsequently saw another under rather curious circumstances. The common Whisking 

 Eagle (TIaliaster Sj)henurus) was giving chase to the falcon, which presently alighted on the branch of a tree, the other being scared off" by 

 Mr. W.'s presence. While making preparation to secure so rare a bird, the attack by the eagle was renewed, when the falcon commenced an 

 ascent into the air in a series of magnificent circles, and disappeared. Its food is supposed to consist of small birds, especially parrakeets, as 

 its presence always causes great alarm and commotion among them. 



