90 SOCIAL HABITATIONS. 
is the common Sparrow-Hawk, which is in the habit 
of usurping the nest of the common crow, magpie, or 
other bird, and laying its handsome eggs therein. 
Whether it forcibly drives away the rightful owner, or 
whether it contents itself with a nest which has already 
been abandoned, is not precisely known, different naturalists 
inclining to opposite opinions. In all probability, there- 
fore, both disputants are right, and the Sparrow-Hawk 
takes a deserted nest when it can find one, and when it 
cannot do so, attacks birds which are in actual possession 
of a suitable nest, and takes possession of their home. In 
such a case, the combat must be a sharp one, for both 
crow and magpie are courageous birds, nothing inferior 
in determination to their assailant, and armed with bills 
which are much larger, and quite as formidable as that 
of the Sparrow-Hawk. 
The Kestrew is also in the habit of laying its eggs in 
the nests of other birds, and may possibly eject the rightful 
owner by main force. ‘This opinion is rendered probable 
by a fact mentioned by Mr. Peachey, in the “ Zoologist.” 
A man was passing a tree, and hearing a loud screaming 
proceeding from a nest at the summit, he had the curiosity 
to climb the tree. The screams still continued, and on 
putting his hand into the nest, he found two birds strug- 
gling, the uppermost of which he caught. This proved to 
be a Kestrel, and as soon as it was secured, the other bird, 
which was a magpie, flew out, evidently having been 
worsted by its antagonist. 
Then there is the well-known Startinc, which is a 
notably parasitic bird, delighting to take the nests of the 
jackdaw, pigeon, and other birds, and to use them as its 
own. Every one who has a dovecot knows how apt are the 
Starlings to usurp the boxes intended for the pigeons, and 
