OF NOETHUMBEELANB AKD DUEHAM. 11 



9. FALCO, Linnceus. 

 10. Peeegedste Falcon. P. PEEEGEnrcrs, {Gmelin.) 



Falco peregrinm, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 11. 

 „ „ Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 53. 



Some years ago this noble species was not by any means un- 

 common in the north, of England. Formerly it bred, every year, 

 in the wild parts of the two counties, but now it can scarcely be 

 said to do so. I am informed, however, by Mr. Arthur Newall, 

 that a nest of young birds was taken last year, 1872, at Lang- 

 ley Eord, near the Cheviot. It built annually, some yeai's ago, 

 at Thrunton Crag, iu the vale of Whittingham ; and, as it still 

 occasionally breeds in the district, we can yet claim it as a resi- 

 dent species. 



The Peregrine was seen this spring, 1873, at Little Whick- 

 hope, IS'orth Tyne, when it drove off the Eavens which were 

 breeding ia the crag there. I am indebted to John Coppin, Esq., 

 for this information ; and I am happy to say that that gentleman 

 is not disposed to destroy this fine bird, though it may deprive 

 him of a few Grouse. 



The movements of birds of prey usually cause great commo- 

 tion among their feathered brethren. "Wherever they appear, 

 large and small unite in the chase, and endeavour to drive away 

 or intimidate the common enemy. I was therefore much sur- 

 prised one day, while sauntering on the shores of Spynie Loch, 

 in company with my late friend Mr. Charles St. John, to observe 

 a Peregrine quietly perched on a stone in the shallow water 

 near the shore, surrounded by numerous wild Ducks resting on 

 the water in complete repose, and quite indifferent to the close 

 proximity of their arch enemy, who took just as little notice of 

 them. 



Specimens from different localities vary considerably in plum- 

 age. I have seen individuals with the under parts quite rufous, 

 approaching in this respect F. peregrinator, of India. A fine 

 example of this variety, killed in Scotland, is in the possession 

 of Mr. George Freeman, of Newcastle. It is therefore pretty 



