actually ‘‘seen ’’ many weeks, or even months, before those 
birds find their way to this country. 
The adult plumage is not acquired for a considerable 
time, and there can be no doubt that Sparrow Hawks begin 
to breed while they are yet in a state of immaturity. The 
nest is made of sticks, and is placed in the branches of a tree, 
generally in those of a pine or an oak, and always at a con- 
siderable height from the ground. The eggs vary very much 
indeed in tinting and markings, but are usually white or pale 
green in colour, more or less mottled and marbled with rich 
reddish brown. There are usually three or four in a clutch. 
fii AG 
eit : 
) 
