THE ¥ER-FALCON. 249 
that weapon for the purpose of completing the slaughter when they and the 
wounded quarry are struggling on the ground. 
Among the true Falcons the JER-FALCON is the most conspicuous on 
account of the superior dimensions of its body and the striking power 
of its wing. 
This splendid bird is a native of Northern Europe, being mostly found in 
Iceland and Norway, and it also inhabits parts of both Americas. Some 
naturalists believe that the Norwe- 
gian and Icelandic birds ought to 
be reckoned as different species, but 
others think that any differences be- 
tween them are occasioned by age 
and sex. It is said that of the two 
birds the Iceland variety is the more 
powerful, of bolder flight, and greater 
age, and therefore better adapted for 
the purpose of falconry. Sometimes 
it is seen in the northern parts of 
the British Islands, having evidently 
flown over the five hundred miles or 
so of sea that divides Scotland frem 
Iceland ; this journey, however, is no 
difficult task for the Jer-falcon, who 
is quite capable of paying a morning 
visit to these islands and returning to 
its home on the same day. In 1859 
one of these birds was shot in North- 
umberland, and others have been ob- 
served in the more southern counties. 
Towards the south, however, it has ; 
seldom if ever been observed. JER-FALCON.—(Falco Gyrfalco.) 
The colour of the adult Jer-falcon 
is nearly white, being purely white on the under surface and flecked with 
narrow transverse bars of greyish brown upon the upper parts. The sharp 
claws are black, the beak of a bluish tint, and the cere, tarsus, and toes 
yellow. When young, however, the bird presents a very different aspect, 
and would hardly be recognized as belonging to the same species. In its 
earlier stages of life it is almost wholly of a greyish brown tint, the fea- 
thers being slightly marked with a little white upon their edges. As the 
bird increases in age the white edges become wider and by degrees the 
entire feather is of a snowy whiteness. The name Jer-falcon is supposed to 
be a corruption of “ Geier-falcon,” or Vulture Falcon. 
Less powerful, but more graceful than the Jer-falcon, the PEREGRINE 
FALCON has ever held the first place among the hawks that are trained 
for the chase. 
When thoroughly tamed, the Peregrine Falcon displays a very con- 
siderable amount of attachment to its owner, and even while flying at 
perfect liberty will single him out from a large company, fly voluntarily 
towards him, and perch lovingly on his hand or shoulder. 
It will chase and kill many of the coast birds, such as the dunlin, the gull, 
and the plover. The curlew is a very favourite prey, and, being a strong- 
winged bird, affords great sport. It is rather remarkable that the dunlin, 
together with birds of similar habits, fly instinctively to the sea, lake, or 
river, when attacked by the Peregrine Falcon, as if knowing that the winged 
hunter is very unwilling to swoop upon any object that is flying upon the 
