133 



Field Marks. The Falcon flight and outline, in conjunction with small size and dark 

 coloration, are distinctive. 



Nesting. In hollow limbs of trees or on cliff ledges. 



Distribution. All North America and to northern South America. Breeds south- 

 ward to the borders of cultivated land in eastern Canada. 



SUBSPECIES. There are several subspecies of the Pigeon Hawk in Canada, but 

 in the east there is only the type form, the Eastern Pigeon Hawk. 



In spirit and action this is a miniature of the Duck Hawk, but is a far 

 commoner bird than any of the Falcons previously mentioned. This 

 species also was used in court falconry. 



Economic Status. As indicated by its name the Pigeon Hawk pro- 

 bably preyed largely upon Wild Pigeons. Nowadays, however, it follows 

 smaller game as a rule. Of 51 stomachs examined, 2 contained young 

 chickens; 41, small birds; 2, mice; and 16, insects. It will be seen from 

 this record that the Pigeon Hawk is destructive to small wild-bird life 

 but is not large enough to affect seriously the poultryman. It often 

 follows Shore Birds and seems particularly fond of the Black-bellied 

 Plover. Though more numerous than the Duck Hawk it is still nowhere 

 a common bird. 



Subgenus — Cerchneis. Kestrels. 



360. American Sparrow Hawk. fr. — lb fattcon Apervier. Falco sparverius. 

 L, 10. Plate XIV B. 



Distinctions. The coloration of this bird renders it unmistakable for any other species. 



Field Marks. With its falcon-like outline and small size it can not be mistaken for 

 any bird except perhaps the Pigeon Hawk. Its more slender shape and longer tail will 

 separate it readily when the striking colours are not distinguishable. 



Nesting. In deserted Woodpecker's holes or natural cavities in dead stubs. 



Distribution. Most of North America, from beyond the settled areas to the gulf of 

 Mexico. Breeds wherever found in Canada. 



SUBSPECIES. Two subspecies of the American Sparrow Hawk are recognized in 

 Canada, but only the type form, the Eastern Sparrow Hawk, occurs in the east. 



This is the only Falcon that is common in Canada. It is a beautiful 

 bird — the brightest coloured of any of our birds of prey. The open 

 fields are its hunting ground and the topmost dead branches of solitary 

 trees in fields or along fence-rows are its chosen observation points. It 

 beats about over the meadows and on sighting its prey hovers for a moment 

 on quickly beating wings, like a Kingfisher, and then drops upon its quarry. 



The name Sparrow Hawk should properly belong to the Sharp- 

 shinned; this is recognized in the Old World where the name Sparrow 

 Hawk is applied to a small Accipiter closely resembling that species. Grass- 

 hopper Hawk would be a far better descriptive name for this bird as 

 grasshoppers form a large part of its food. When taken young from 

 the nest this little Falcon is easily tamed. 



Economic Status. Although a Hawk, this bird is one of the most 

 efficient and valuable protectors of the farm. Of 291 stomachs examined, 

 1 contained a game-bird (Quail); 53, other birds; 89, mice; 13, other 

 mammals; 12, reptiles or batrachians (frogs, etc.); 215, insects; and 

 29, spiders. Of the birds examined, 43 were taken in the winter months, 

 from December to April. Of specimens taken in seasons when insects 

 are available only 10 stomachs contained birds. This record shows that 

 birds are killed by the Falcon from necessity rather than choice. The 



