THE APLOMADO FALCON. 
61 
This beautiful little bird is almost invaluable to the young falconer, as it is so docile in 
disposition, and so remarkably intelligent in character, that it repays his instructions much 
sooner than any of the more showy, but less teachable Falcons. Every movement of this 
admirable little hawk is full of life and vivacity ; its head turns sharply from side to side as it 
sits on its master’s hand, its eyes almost flame with fiery eagerness, and it ever and anon gives 
vent to its impatience by a volley of ear-piercing shrieks. There is, however, a singular capri- 
ciousness in the character of the 
Merlin, for it seems to be so sensi- 
tive to certain influences which are 
quite imperceptible to human organ- 
ization, that the same individual 
which on one day or at one hour is 
full of fierce energy, chasing large 
and powerful birds of its own ac- 
cord, following the erratic course 
of the snipe with a wing as agile 
and far more enduring than its 
own, or shooting suddenly through 
the tangled branches of the under- 
wood in pursuit of some prey that 
is fleeing to the leafy abode for 
refuge, will at another time become 
listless and inanimate, and even if 
it be induced to fly at its quarry, 
will turn suddenly away as if 
alarmed, and return languidly to 
its perch. 
The Pigeoh Hawk {Aesalon 
columbarius). This is a small 
bird, but little larger than the 
domestic Pigeon. It is bold and 
swift of flight. It is a common 
visitor in Hew England during the 
spring and autumn. It is found in 
every portion of the continent of 
North America. Though so small, 
it has been used in falconry. Sev- 
eral varieties are known in different parts of the country. 
The Aplomado Falcon (. Hhyncliofalco fusco-ccerulescens ) is a southern species, inhabiting 
all parts of South America, and reaching north as far as New ^Mexico. It is about the size of 
the latter species, and has been trained as a hunting Falcon. The Chilians esteem it highly 
as such. 
The genus Hypotriorchis is rather rich in interesting birds, among which may be noticed 
the Pigeon Hawk of America and the Chicquera Falcon of India. 
The former of these birds is found not only on our continent, but also in parts of the West 
Indies. Generally, however, it is found in Southern America, where it is rather plentiful, and 
may be seen hunting for its prey in the proper localities. It is a spirited and swift- winged 
bird, although not a very large one, measuring barely eleven inches in length, and not quite 
two feet in the expanse of wing. A rather remarkable peculiarity in its plumage is found in 
the feathery covering of the legs, which is singularly long, the tips of the feathers reaching 
nearly to the feet. 
The usual pie\ of the Pigeon Hawk consists of mice, small birds, reptiles, and various 
MERLIN .— Falco aesalon. 
A VVC'kV i AURM RR rt 17 
