60 
THE MERLIN . 
much esteemed for tlie purpose of falconry, and was specially trained to fly at the kite, a 
bird which is too strong to afford the ordinary Peregrine Falcon any possible hope of success. 
The male of this species is considerably smaller than his mate, and is therefore called a 
Lanneret. 
The Prairie Falcon ( Hierofalco mexicanus ), called also the American Lanner, is, 
according to Prof. Baird, so near the European form that it is difficult to separate them. 
Dr. Cooper regards it as the shyest and swiftest of hawks. It frequents prairies, and feeds on 
hares, grouse, and even larger game at times. 
The small, but exquisitely shaped Hobby is found spread over the greater part of the 
Old World, specimens having been taken in northern Africa, and in many portions of Asia, as 
HOBBY .— Falco subbuteo. 
well as in Europe, which seems to be its chief residence. From all accounts, it seems to be 
rather a local bird, being partially influenced by the nature of the ground and the quantity of 
food which it is able to procure. 
This bird appears to favor inland and well-wooded lands rather than the sea-shore or the 
barren rocks; thus presenting a strong contrast to the Peregrine Falcon. We may find an 
obvious reason for this preference in the fact that a considerable proportion of its food is com- 
posed of the larger insects, especially of the fat-bodied beetles, which it seizes on the wing. 
Although the smallest of the Falconidse, being only from ten to thirteen inches in 
length, according to the sex of the individual, the Merlin is one of the most dashing and 
brilliant of all the hawks. 
