NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 187 



mountainous regions, or in the vicinity where water fowl are abundant. 

 The nests are placed in natural cavities in trees, and on the sides of 

 rocky cliffs. 



Col. N. S. Goss states that this Hawk is not an uncommon resident 

 of Kansas, and that it begins laying early in March. It is known to 

 breed in many of the rocky regions and along the coasts of the New 

 England States ; in Pennsylvania, New York and in Michigan. It has 

 been found nesting in the Anderson River regions in Arctic America, 

 in Alaska, and on the coast of I^abrador. 



This species is often called Bullet Hawk, being the terror of 

 ducks and other water fowl, pursuing and striking them down while 

 on the wing, often seizing the bird which the hunter has killed, carry- 

 ing it off when almost within his reach. 



The eggs of the Duck Hawk are three or four in number, and 

 measure 2.15 X 1.62. They vary from creamy-white to reddish-brown, 

 spotted, blotched and dotted with reddish-brown and chocolate of vary- 

 ing shades. Mr. Norris has a set of three eggs, taken April 14, 1876, 

 at Michigumni, Mich. The nest was placed on a ledge of rock, on the 

 face of a bluff; it was composed of a few twigs, some grass and a few 

 feathers. The eggs are dull white, almost wholly obscured by innu- 

 merable specks and spots of vinaceous-cinnamon ; sizes, 2.09x1.75, 

 2.06x1.70, 2.05x1.64. 



356«. Falco peregrinus pealei Ridgw. [414a'.] 



Peale^s Falcon. 



Hab. Aleutian and Commander Islands, south along the Pacific Coast to Oregon. 



Dr. Leonard Stejneger states that the "Black Hawk," as it is 

 called, is a common resident of Copper and Bering Islands, breeding 

 in high and inaccessible cliffs. The eggs are not described, but are 

 doubtless similar to those of F. peregrinus. 



357. Falco columbarius Linn. [417] 



Pigeon Hawk. 



Hab. North America in general, south in winter to West Indies and northern South America. 



A handsome little Falcon, generally distributed throughout North 

 America, and known to breed in various sections from latitude 40° north- 

 ward, but the majority breed north of the United States. It subsists 

 mostly on smaller birds, together with an occasional mouse or small 

 squirrel, capturing them on the wing. When in pursuit of its prey 

 the speed of its flight is something astonishing. Known to breed as 

 far north as the Anderson and McKenzie River regions in Arctic 

 America, and it is common in Alaska. During the breeding season it 

 is found as far south as New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, in various 



