CLASS II. AYES: ORDER 1. RAPTORES. 
25 
SPAEROW-HAWKS. 
sight of him, he may attack them unawares, the sparrow-hawk no sooner appears than the alarm 
is given, and the whole posse of jays follow. 
The American Pigeon-Hawk, F, columharius^ is migratory in its habits, returning to the 
Southern States about November, and in summer extending its excursions as far north as Hud- 
son's Bay. It is eleven inches long, the upper parts being of a dark brown ; the lower parts 
brownish-white, streaked with dark brown ; the legs are yellow ; the claws black. Small birds 
and mice are its principal food. When, toward autumn, the reed-birds, grackles, and red-winged 
blackbirds congregate in large flights, it is often observed hovering in their rear, or on their 
flanks, picking up the weak, the wounded, or stragglers, and frequently making a sudden and 
fatal sweep into the very midst of their multitudes. The flocks of robins and pigeons are honored 
Vol. II.— 4 
