THE LANNER. 
59 
The triIG Lax NE E ( FclIgO LANNER.— Falco lanarins. 
lanarius) is a native of north- 
ern Europe. It is a rather large bird, considerably exceeding the Peregrine Falcon in its 
dimensions, and being little inferior in size to the Jerfalcon itself. This bird was formerly 
as the bird was at the same moment making a “ stoop” npon the bird, one of the leaden 
pellets struck the Falcon, and inflicted a slight wound. 
The dash and fury with which this hawk makes its stoop is almost incredible. In a coast 
town a part of a greenhouse had been divided off by wire, so as to form an aviary, the roof of 
the aviary being the glass tiling of the greenhouse. In this edifice were placed a number of 
small birds, which attracted the attention of a Peregine Falcon that was passing overhead. 
Totally unmindful of all obstacles, he shot crashing through the glass without injuring himself 
in the least, seized one of the terrified birds, and carried it off in safety. Several other birds 
were found dead, apparently from fright, or perhaps by the shock of the hawk and glass 
which came flying among their number. 
It is said that when the Peregrine Falcon takes up its residence near the moors it is a very 
mischievous neighbor, slaughtering annually great numbers of grouse. Although very fond 
of pigeons and similar game, the Peregrine Falcon seems to have sufficient sporting spirit to 
prefer the grouse to the pigeon, and never to trouble itself about the latter bird as long as it 
has a chance of obtaining one of the former. 
The American Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus ), called also Duck Hawk, is one of the 
most graceful and powerful of the race. It is found over the entire continent and adjacent 
islands. A northern variety is thought to be identical with the European species. 
This bird is a resident of Hew England throughout the year, usually seen on the sea 
shore ; its trivial name indicates its favorite prey. It is a very powerful and swift flyer, the 
terror of water-fowl, its legiti- 
mate prey. It abounds in con- 
siderable number in Labrador. 
Audubon found them breed- 
ing on the same rocks with 
cormorants. With the hunter 
along our coast this bird has a 
reputation for most extraordi- 
nary daring. He rushes with 
intense impetuosity upon his 
prey, and often strikes it dead 
before it reaches the ground. 
He is known to attack wild 
geese and bear them down 
from the flock as they pass 
over at considerable height. 
This is the bird par excel- 
lence known in heraldry. It 
is graceful and sagacious in 
aspect. Two prominent char- 
acters distinguish it from other 
species : a broad patch of black 
below the eye, and very large 
feet. Its extent of wing is 
three feet eight inches. It is 
notable that this bird is con- 
siderably smaller than several 
of the buzzards that feed on 
the insignificant insect food. 
