148 BIRDS 



for rodents or meat, and can hardly be induced to take other 

 food than sparrows or small chickens. 



Of all the hawks, the Falcons (Falco) are the most 

 attractive. Naturally bold and fearless, their very courage 

 is the factor which brings them to accept readily the condi- 

 tions of captivity. The Duck Hawk (F. peregrinus 

 anatum) is the American representative of the European 

 Peregrine Falcon, the favorite of countless generations of 

 Old World hawkers. Courageous and powerful, it does not. 

 fear its captor, and quickly becomes tame and gentle. It is 

 not to be trusted with weaker species, and should be given 

 quarters by itself. Natural food should be given as much 

 as possible. 



The beautiful White or Greenland Gyrfalcon (F. 

 candicans) is a rare visitor from the North, which we occa- 

 sionally see during severe winters. In temperament it 

 duplicates the Duck Hawk, but its snowy plumage and 

 greater size set it above its smaller rival. In the ancient 

 days of hawking, the various forms of Gyrfalcon occupied 

 the highest rank, great prices being paid for well-trained 

 birds. 



The American Sparrow Hawk (F. sparverius) is the 

 pet of the group. Its handsome coloring and the perfect 

 tameness which it quickly acquires endear the bird to all 

 who have the opportunity to become its intimates. The 

 most desirable specimens are those taken from the nest and 

 hand-reared, but wild-caught adults are not long in assum- 

 ing an attractive friendliness. Sparrow Hawks are easily 

 taught to come to the hand and take meal worms from the 

 fingers. Their food should be well varied, and small birds, 

 mice and insects should form the greater part of it. Spar- 

 row hawks like a small box provided with a perch and 

 placed in a secluded corner, where they may retire when so 

 disposed. 



