334 SPARROW-HAWK. 
only one which need be noticed is the Levant Sparrow-Hawk, 
A. brevifes, which inhabits the area between Central Russia and 
Syria, and appears to be extending its range in a westerly direction ; 
it may be recognized, by its much shorter legs. 
Like the Goshawk, this species usually builds its own nest, 
composed of sticks with a slight lining of twigs, and invariably 
places it in a tree, often on the branches close to and sheltered by 
the bole, or near the top: sometimes, however, it adapts and adds to 
the deserted abode of a Crow, Wood-Pigeon, or other bird. The 
4-6 eggs are pale bluish-white, blotched, mottled, and often zoned 
with various shades of reddish-brown : measurements 1°6 by 1°25 in. 
In this country they are generally laid early in May, at intervals 
of two days, and incubation lasts nearly seven weeks. When 
urged by the necessities of a clamorous brood the Sparrow-Hawk is 
even more bold and rapacious than at other times, and is then 
especially dangerous to the young of game and poultry; but it 
feeds principally on other birds, even Magpies and Wood-Pigeons, 
snapping them up in an instant, as it glides with rapid though stealthy 
flight along hedges or the skirts of woods. Like all the other short- 
winged species, it feeds on the ground—usually under shelter of a 
tree, bush or hedge-row, and the small heap of feathers unmis- 
takably marks the spot where it has dined ; for, unlike the Falcons, 
the Hawks require both feet to secure their quarry and do not seem 
to know where its life lies, so that perching is then awkward for 
them (Delmé-Radcliffe). In India and Japan the Sparrow-Hawk is 
still prized by native falconers; and in this country it has been 
trained to take Quails, Partridges, &c. 
The adult male has the upper parts slate-blue, mottled with white 
on the nape; tail greyish-brown, with from three to five dark bars; 
cheeks and ear-coverts bright rufous ; under parts buff, barred with 
reddish brown ; cere greenish yellow ; irides orange ; legs and feet 
yellow ; middle toe very long and slender. Length 13 in., wing 
7°75 in. The female is much larger, measuring 15°4 in., wing 9 in.; 
her breast is usually greyish white, barred with ash-brown, and there 
is a rufous patch on the flanks ; when very old, however, she attains 
the plumage of the adult male. The young are sepia-brown above, 
with rufous edges to the feathers ; and the under parts are white, 
with rufous-brown bars, so broad on the throat as almost to deserve 
the name of spots; iris pale yellow to orange. Both sexes have 
been known to breed in immature livery. Few birds vary so much 
in plumage and size as the Sparrow-Hawk. 
