32 NORTHERN ZOOLOGY. 



have described. The F. sparverius, though a smaller bird, may be considered as 

 representing the F. tinnunculus of Europe in form. We met with no small 

 Falcons, in the northern parts of America, having long wings, like the Hobby and 

 some other European species. 



The Falco sparverius is a common bird in America, and its manners are well 

 known. Indeed, few Falcons are more likely to attract attention, for it is not only 

 a bold and familiar species, but both male and female are very beautiful birds. 

 Wilson informs us that it is a constant resident in almost every part of the United 

 States, particularly north of Maryland. It breeds in considerable numbers on the 

 banks of the Saskatchewan, in the neighbourhood of Carlton House, arriving there 

 in the month of April, laying its eggs about the middle of May, and retiring 

 southward on the approach of winter. I am unable to say how far it extends its 

 migrations ; but I do not believe it to be a very northern species, as it was not 

 observed, on the route of the Expeditions, beyond the fifty-fourth degree of latitude. 

 It also frequents the warmer parts of America, having been perceived in Cuba by 

 Mr. W. M'Leay ; and it is likewise an inhabitant of South America *, Captain King- 

 having found it at Port Famine in the Straits of Magellan f. Wilson has de- 

 scribed its manners with his wonted accuracy, and I cannot do greater justice to 

 the reader than by transcribing his remarks. 



cl It flies rather irregularly, occasionally suspending itself in the air, hovering 

 over a particular spot for a minute or two, and then shooting off in another direc- 

 tion. It perches on the top of a dead tree, or pole, in the middle of a field or 

 meadow, and, as it alights, shuts its long wings so suddenly, that they seem 

 instantly to disappear. It sits here in an almost perpendicular position, sometimes 

 for an hour at a time, frequently jerking its tail, and reconnoitring the ground 

 below in every direction, for mice, lizards, &c. It approaches the farm-house, 

 particularly in the morning, skulking about the farm-yard, for mice or young 

 chickens, and frequently plunges into a thicket after small birds, as if by random ; 

 but always with a particular, and generally a fatal, aim." 



In the vicinty of Carlton House, where the plains are beautifully ornamented by 

 numerous small clumps of aspens, that give a rich picturesque effect to the land- 

 scape, which I have never seen equalled even in an English park, this small Falcon 

 was frequently discovered perched on the most lofty tree of a clump, sitting with 

 his eye apparently closed, but, nevertheless, sufficiently awake to what was passing 

 around it, as it would occasionally evince by suddenly pouncing upon any small 



* The specimens we procured during our researches in Brazil are entirely destitute of the rufous spot on the crown ; 

 but those from Mexico perfectly agree with the skins brought home by Dr. Richardson. — Sw. 

 f Vide Zool. Jour., No. xi., pp. 425, 435. 



