FALCO GYRFALCO : GYRFALCONS OR JERFALCONS. lOQ 



bluish-white color, either immaculate or finely mottled 

 with pale reddish-brown; the size, 2.30 by 1.82 to 2.32 

 by 1.92. According to Dr. Brewer, the egg of the 

 Goshawk is 2-^^ long by \\\ broad, nearly spherical, 

 roughly granulated, soiled white, with a faint bluish 

 shade, "marked irregularly with large but quite faint 

 blotches of drab and yellowish-brown." It thus closely 

 resembles that of Cooper's Hawk, differing chiefly in its 

 larger size ; and the nidifi cation is represented as being 

 the same in essential particulars. In the nature of its 

 prey, its mode of securing it, its general habits and 

 nature, we find it also much the same, the only differ- 

 ence resulting from its superior prowess, if not more 

 ferocious nature. 



GYRFALCONS OR JERFALCONS. 



FALCO GYRFALCO L. 



Chars. Tarsus feathered fully half-way down in froflt, with only a 

 narrow bare strip behind, irregularly reticulate on the bare parts ; 

 longer than the middle toe. First quill shorter than the third j 

 second quill longest ; first alone decidedly emarginate on the 

 inner web. Upward of 24.00 long; wing, about 16.00; tail, 10.00. 

 Bill with a sharp tooth on cutting edge of upper mandible ; the 

 end of the under mandible notched or truncate. Nostrils with 

 a centric tubercle. Color white, with dark markings, much as in 

 the Snowy Owl ; or, ash-colored with numerous lighter bars ; or, 

 quite blackish. Young, longitudinally striped on under parts. 

 An arctic Fa'.con of circumpolar distribution, in this country 

 reaching the Northern States. It is split into several varieties, 

 which, however, do not seem to be strictly geographical, and 

 concerning which ornithologists are singularly agreed to dis- 

 agree — inter negotia talia, cuique suum. In var. candicans, 

 which is the best marked form, inhabiting North Greenland and 



