184 THE BIEDS OP ATJSTEALIA 



blotches. They measure 2.2 x 1.6 inches. They are placed in a 

 crevice of a precipitous cliff, no nest being constructed. 

 Instances, says Mr. Campbell, have been known of their 

 depositing the eggs under cover of a tussock of grass, on a 

 plain. In fact many of our Raptores adapt their nesting habits 

 to circumstances, if the natural surroundings are not favourable. 



The Grey Falcon. 



Falco hypoleucus. 



Australia except the South-east. 



Length of male 12 inches, wing 10.6; of female 15 inches, wing 12.5 

 inches. Above ashy, the feathers with blackish shaft-stripes; head 

 darker and more bluish; under surface white; thighs uniform whitish, not 

 barred; bill yellow at base, black at tip; feet orange yellow; iris dark 

 brown. 



A very rare bird. Mr. Keartland observed them, always 

 near the ranges of the Centre, flying slowly along in search of 

 prey, probably the small marsupials. They are strongly built 

 for their size, and show the fierceness of the race. Shell of egg 

 smooth, the whole of the ground-colour obscured by minute dots 

 and freckles of rusty-red, 2 inches x 1.5. (Eamsay) . 



The Black Falcon. 



Falco subniger. 



South-eastern Australia. 



Length of male 17 inches, wing 14.3; of female 19.5 inches, wing 15.8. 

 Everywhere dark brown merging into black; thighs uniform sooty-brown, 

 like the breast; bill lead colour; feet leaden yellow; iris dark brown. 



A very rare bird, known only from a few examples. 



The Little Falcon. 



Falco luiiulatus. 



Australia and Tasmania, Flores. 



Length of male 11.5 inches, wing 9.7; of female 13.5 inches, wing 10.5. 

 Forehead and lores white; upper surface slaty blue; throat white; under 

 surface dingy rufous; thighs uniform rufous. 



Mr. Keartland writes : ' ' This is one of our smallest and also 

 boldest and fiercest hawks. Strongly built, and furnished with 

 true Falcon bill, legs and talons, I have several times seen them 

 kill and carry off birds heavier than themselves. When hungry 



