JER FALCON. 33 



RAPTORES. FALCONIDM. 



PLATE VII. 



JER FALCON. 

 Falco Islandicus. (Latham.) 



We cannot better describe the peculiar characteristic dis- 

 tinctions of the genus " Falco," the one under present con- 

 sideration, than in the words of T. P. Selby, Esq. " The 

 birds of this genus, 1 ' he observes, "justly considered the typi- 

 cal form of the Falconidse, as possessing the raptorial powers 

 in the highest perfection, are distinguished from the other 

 groups by their stronger bill, furnished with an acute tooth ; 

 their long and acuminate wings, vigorous power of flight, and 

 peculiar mode of capturing their prey. From their docility, 

 and susceptibility of being reclaimed, that is, trained to the 

 purposes of Falconry, they have been usually termed the 

 noble birds of prey, all the others coming under the designa- 

 tion of ignoble." 



The Jer Falcon is a native of the most northern parts of 

 Europe, Asia, and America; inhabiting Iceland, Norway, 

 and Lapland ; Greenland, and the countries around Hudson's 

 Bay. It is chiefly found in the most mountainous parts, but 

 occasionally visits the level tracts and the sea-coast in search 

 of food. According to the best authorities, the Jer Falcon 

 confines itself during the summer months to those countries 

 that border on the Arctic regions, rarely visiting the southern 

 parts of Sweden until late in the autumn, and even in winter 

 seldom descending below sixty degrees of north latitude. 



VOL. I. D 



