354 LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 
Other specimens exhibit great variation in ground-colors, but 
they rarely have the large and prominent markings, often seen 
on the eggs of the Sharp-shinned Hawk. 
(c). The Sparrow Hawks, though their flight is compara- 
tively weak, it being rarely or never much protracted, are none 
the less, active and daring. Perched on some tree or fence, . 
and occasionally flirting the tail, they eagerly watch for their 
prey, which consists of mice, small birds, and even insects. 
Then, as if restless and dissatisfied, they leave their post, and 
’ fly off along the roadsides, over the fields, through the or- 
chards, but less often among the woods than in open lands. 
Now pausing to reconnoitre, with a quivering of the wings, 
now sailing briefly but with eminent grace, they pass on swiftly, 
but not in the constant hurry which characterizes the Sharp- 
shinned Hawk. Sometimes they pounce upon a field mouse, 
which ‘they often carry to a tree to eat; sometimes their quick 
eye detects a poor sparrow or thrush, and they then dive into 
some thicket or chase on wing, generally with fatal success. 
Their motions are characterized by more grace, but less speed 
and fury, than those of the other small hawks. They are, how- 
ever, equally cruel and destructive, and the smaller birds find 
little or no protection in thickets or trees. They usually perch 
and fly not far from the ground, and never, so far as I have 
observed, mount to a great height. Several anecdotes serve to 
show that they are very scrupulous about their food, and do 
not like tainted flesh. ‘They are the least shy of our hawks, 
and often exhibit a surprising degree of familiarity toward 
men. They are also rather social, and not uncommonly occur 
in family-parties or pairs. 
The Sparrow Uawks are distributed through New England 
rather locally, but apparently are nowhere common. ‘They are 
especially rare in Eastern Massachusetts, so far as I, have ob- 
served in confirmation of others, and, having never seen them 
in winter, suppose them undoubtedly to be migratory. Mr. 
Maynard, however, considers them as resident throughout the 
year, though rare in winter. In Florida they are ‘‘abundant,” 
remaining there at all seasons, though known to occur in high 
