SPARROW-HAWK. 
ACCIPITER NISUS. 
Notwithstanding the almost universal persecution that the Sparrow-Hawk meets with, it is still tolerably 
numerous from north to south. I have seen several pairs breeding in the birch-woods of Sutherlandshire, and, 
to the best of my recollection, have never passed a week in any district between that county and Sussex 
without having met with a bird or two of this species. Wooded districts are its favourite haunts ; but it 
may be noticed sweeping over the barren and treeless Grouse-moors, dashing past the buildings surrounding 
the lone farmhouse or shooting-lodge, and gliding with rapid flight over the fens and rush -grown marsh -lands. 
Falconers and naturalists frequently put in a plea for that still greater robber, the Peregrine ; hut I never 
yet remember to have seen a single line written in defence of the Sparrow-IIawk. No one who has had the 
opportunity of becoming acquainted with its manner of living can possibly doubt that it merits to a certain 
degree the bad name it has acquired ; but that it will kill for the mere pleasure of slaying (which sportive 
trait in the character of the Falcon can only he denied by those who are ignorant of its true habits) cannot be 
laid to its charge. The poor bird is simply endowed with a vigorous appetite; and when engaged in providing 
for the wants of its ravenous brood, the destruction it commits is not unfrcquently detected, and the contents 
of its larder accurately described and commented on. Judging from my own experience, the damage he 
is able to inflict on wild game is only small compared with the loss caused by his frequent raids on the 
broods that are reared in an artificial manner and deprived of their natural protectors. Small birds, such 
as Larks, Pipits, Buntings, and Finches, form the greater part of the food of this species; but at times it will 
strike and carry off still heavier victims, and it is probable that none below the weight of a half-grown 
Pheasant arc perfectly safe from its attacks. 
That this Hawk will fly at and buffet almost any species that approaches its nesting-quarters has, I 
believe, been recorded by several authors. A few months back I was watching an immature Marsh-Harrier 
which, after searching over several of the adjacent marshes, was steadily making its way towards its next 
hunting-grounds, past a plantation where a pair of Sparrow-Hawks were rearing their young. No sooner had 
it approached within the distance of about one hundred yards of the wood than it was attacked by the male. 
The difference in size between the two was particularly striking as the little Hawk gradually drove the Harrier 
higher and higher in the air. Both birds were almost lost to sight (having risen in large circles, the Harrier 
evidently attempting to get above his diminutive antagonist) before the chase came to an end. 
The Sparrow-Hawk is occasionally mobbed by a mixed flock of small birds. I lately noticed one -lido 
down under the shelter of a hedgerow, carrying a bright cock Yellowhammer in his talons pursued l, v a 
chattering swarm, to whose clamour he payed not the slightest attention. I particularly remarked tint' 
although noisy in the extreme, they exhibited their discretion by keeping at a respectful distance, and as soon 
as the Hawk settled the whole crowd at once dispersed. 
At the time of migration these birds are oeeasionally seen on the North Sea. I have heard of a few from 
