SPAREOW-HAWK. 



141 



In a trained state the Sparrow-Hawk is a useful bird for taking Quails, 

 Partridges, Blackbirds, and Tlirushes; but, as Lord Lilford very justly 

 remarks, it is of uncertain temper and difficult of management, and re- 

 quires quite a different system of training from that employed for the true 

 Falcons. In India the Sparrow-Hawk is very highly prized, and flown suc- 

 cessfully at Coursers and Sand-Grouse. 



The Sparrow-Hawk's upper plumage generally, with the exception of a 

 small white patch on the nape, is dark bluish slate-colour ; the tail greyish 

 brown, transversely barred with darker brown ; the underparts are rufous, 

 barred with darker rufous-brown. The beak is blue ; cere, legs, and toes 

 yellow; irides orange; claws black. The female is usually three or four 

 inches longer than the male, and has the upper parts brown, with a white 

 nape-spot, and the underparts greyish white barred with brown. The 

 young males resemble the female ; but the brown feathers of the ujoper 

 parts have rufous margins ; the tail is reddish brown, especially at the base. 

 Very old females sometimes assume the plumage of the male. 



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SPAEROW-HAWK S NEST. 



