Locality. 
Nest, &c. 
46 RAPACES. FALCO. Fatcons. 
observation has, however, convinced me, that this opinion is 
incorrect ; or, at least, that its migration is confined to the 
southern parts of the island.—It is certainly indigenous in 
Northumberland, and, I believe also, in parts of Cumberland 
and Westmoreland, as mentioned by Dr Latuam. In 
the first named county, it resorts, during summer, to the 
extensive and upland moors, where it breeds, and where I 
have frequently met with its nest, which, in all the instances 
that have come under my notice, was placed upon the 
ground, amongst the heather, and not in trees, or on rocks, 
as TeEMMINCK mentions in his “* Manuel.” The number of the 
eggs is from three to five; they are of a bluish-white colour, 
marked with brown spots, principally disposed at the larger 
end. 
My readers will perceive, that, among the synonymes, I 
have included the Stone Falcon (Falco Lithofalco of authors), 
.. .ea8 I feel convinced that it is the male merlin in adult plu- 
Identity of ; , 
the Male mage ; the two agreeing in every respect, except that the 
Merlin and - 
Stone Fal- 
CON. 
irides of this supposed species are stated by Sonnint, and 
other writers, who appear to have faithfully copied his de- 
scription) to be yellow, and those of the merlin are brown. 
But an objection raised upon the colour of the eyes is cer- 
tainly not of sufficient import to authorise the establishment 
of a distinct species; for I know from experience, that the 
colour of the iris cannot always be depended upon as a speci- 
fic character, having repeatedly found it to vary in the marsh 
harrier, and in the peregrine falcon. As a further proof that 
the merlin also is subject to variation in the colour of the 
iris, I must state that two, amongst many nestlings that I 
have at different times attempted to rear, displayed a marked 
difference from the rest in the colour of the iris; and, had 
they lived to attain maturity, would, I may safely say, have 
shewn yellow irides, being similar to those of the young spar- 
row-hawk, or young hen-harrier. viz. of a yellowish-grey co- 
lour; but which, with maturity, become yellow. The tri- 
vial name of stone falcon is perfectly appropriate to the mer- 
