288 ASH-COLOURED OR BLACK-CAP HAWK. 



this, particularly in wanting the fine zigzag lines below, and 

 the black cap, that I cannot for a moment suppose them to be 



bird. While Ternminck makes a new species altogether in his Autour 

 royal, without noticing "Wilson. 



The greatest difference between the two birds is the marking of the 

 breast and under parts, and it is so distinct as to be at once perceived. 

 In the American species, the under parts are of a uniform pale grayish 

 white, having the tail and centre of each feather black, forming a dark 

 streak. This extends to those in the centre of the belly, after which it 

 is hardly visible ; every feather in addition is clouded transversely with 

 irregular bars of gray. In the European bird, the markings are in the 

 shape of two decided transverse bars on each feather, with the shaft 

 dark, but not exceeding its own breadth, — each, as a whole, having a 

 very different appearance. The upper parts of the American bird are 

 also of a blue shade, and the markings of the head and auriculars are 

 darker and more decided. Wilson's figure is a most correct represen- 

 tation. 



The genus Astur, of Bechstein, has now been used for this form, and 

 is generally synonymous with Les autour s of the French. Mr Swainson, 

 however, is inclined to make it rather a sub-genus of Accipiter, in which 

 the sparrow hawks and lesser species have been placed. There is some 

 difference in the construction of the tarsi, but the habits and general 

 form are nearly similar. In the ornithology of America, the Astur 

 Pennsylvanicus will show an example of the one ; the bird now in 

 cpaestion that of the other. 



In general form, the birds of this group are strong, but do not show 

 the firm and compact structure of the true falcon. The wings are short 

 and rounded, and present a considerable under surface, favourable to a 

 smooth and sailing flight, which power is rendered more perfect by the 

 lengthened and expanded tail. The tarsi and feet bear a relative pro- 

 portion of strength to their bodies, and the claws are more than usually 

 hooked and sharp ; that of the inner toe always equal to the hallux. 

 Their favourite abodes are woods, or well-clothed countries, where they 

 build and rear their young, hunting for prey about the skirts. They 

 are extremely active and bold ; their flight is sailing in circles, or, when 

 in search of prey, skimming near to the ground, about fences and brush, 

 and darting at anything, either on the ground or on wing, with great 

 celerity. I have seen some of our native species pick up a bird, when 

 flying near the ground, so rapidly, that the motion of stooping and 

 clutching was hardly perceptible, and the flight continued as if nothing 

 had happened. During their higher flights, or when threading through 

 a thick wood, which they do with great dexterity, the motions of the 

 tail are perceived directing their movements, and, in the latter case, is 



