Sr-AREOW HAWK. 



121 



other nests at the same tirae the Hawks were endeavoring to raise their 

 brood. 



In Florida it begins to breed early in March; in the latitude of 

 ISew York about the middle of May, and in the northern part of its 

 range it is probably June before the eggs are deposited. The number 

 of eggs in one nest is usually five, rarely more. 



Its ordinary flight is irregular and not long continued. Even iu 

 migration it often stops to rest on a tree top or fence post, where it may 

 remain a considerable time. Still it is capable of very rapid flight. It 

 rarely if ever soars as do most of the other Hawks. Sometimes it makes 

 a succession of rapid beats with its wings and sails for a short distance, 

 but usually, when in search of food, instead of circling it hovers, remain- 

 ing statiouary with rapid-moving wings. If it perceives its quarry it 

 drops to the ground to seize it, and, if successful, bears it away to a 

 neighboring stub or fence pole to devour. 



DESCEIPTION. 



Small, wings narrow and pointed; top of head bluish gray or dark 

 slate, the crown with or without a rufous patch. 



Male. — Tail chestnut rufous, crossed by a broad black band near end; 

 wings grayish blue, more or less spotted with black. Above: Eufous, 

 with or without black bars or spots. Below: Varying from white to 

 deep rufous, with or without black spots. 



Female. — ^Tail, wings, and back crossed by numerous narrow bands of 

 dusky. 



Length: 8.75 to 12 inches (222 to 305°""); extent, 20.75 to 22.75 

 inches (527 to 577°""); wing, 6.55 to 8.15 inches (166 to 207"™); tail, 

 4.20 to 5.60 inches (105 to 142""°). 



Taile showing the results of examinations of SSO stomachs of the Sjfarrow Sawh 

 (Falco sparverius). 



