86 



FALCON. 



have so much veneration for it, as not to suffer it to be killed ; and, 

 on setting out on a journey, if one is met with, and sits still, with the 

 breast towards them, it is considered as a peculiarly good sign ; but if 

 the back be turned, unpropitious. If the bird fly away hastily on 

 approach, the most superstitious will return home, and wait for a 

 more favourable opportunity. 



30.— STARRY FALCON. 



Falco stellaris, Ind. Orn. i. 35. Gm. Lin. i. 274. Bris. i. 359. Id. 8vo. i. 103. Daud. 



ii. 109 Klein. Av.^.b2. Id. Ov. 19. t. 6. / 5. Tem. Man. d'Orn. p. 34. 



Id. Ed. 2. p. 23. 

 Blue-footed Falcon, Will. Orn. p. 82. Shaw's Zool. vii. 154. 

 Starry Falcon, Gen. St/n. i. p. 79. 



THIS in shape and size is said to be like the Peregrine Falcon, 

 but has shorter wings, and a longer tail ; plumage in general 

 blackish, marked with spots like stars; breast black and white 

 mixed ; quills blackish ; legs blue ; irides gold colovxr. 



Inhabits the mountainous parts of Europe, laying red coloured 

 eggs, spotted with a paler colour ; it seems a doubtful species, sup- 

 posed to be a young Lanner. 



