258 THE SPARROW HAWK. 
possessing a certain unmistakable character. The ground tint of the egg is 
a greyish white, slightly tinged with blue, and a number of bold blotches of 
a very dark brown are placed upon the surface, sometimes scattered rather 
irregularly, but generally forming a broad ring round the larger end. The 
bird seldom troubles itself to build a new nest, but takes possession of the 
deserted tenement of a crow or rook. 
SPARROW HAWK.—(Accipiter Nisus.) 
THE very remarkable SECRETARY BIRD derives its name from the curious 
feathery plumes which project from each side of its head, and bear a 
fanciful resemblance to pens carried behind the ear by human secretaries. 
It isan inhabitant of Southern Africa, and is most valuable in destroy: 
