blotch covering a quarter of the egg. Some eggs are almost unmarked, others have blotches, spots, and 
speckles confluent, and placed, one upon the other, about the base so thickly as to form a solid mass of 
color — the rest of the shell being but sparingly marked: and others are streaked with thin washes of 
color from point to base. As a rule, the ground-color is burnt sienna; and the markings reddish-brown, 
and but few in number. 
DIFFERENTIAL POINTS : 
See Circus hudsonius, Marsh Hawk. 
REMARKS : 
The eggs illustrated, Fig. 1 , Plate XLIX, were selected from four sets, and represent the sizes, 
shapes, colors, and markings commonly met with. The middle egg is the usual pattern. 
The Sparrow Hawk is one of our commonest species, and is looked upon with more favor than 
other Hawks. It subsists principally upon mice; and, consequently, is frequently seen about corn-fields, 
corn-cribs, and hav-stacks. Its food is, however, by no means limited to mice, as it will catch small 
birds and insects at every opportunity. It often follows the farmer to the field in the winter, and 
pounces down upon the mice which he disturbs. It is not uncommon for a pair of these birds to follow 
the fodder sled, every day throughout the winter, in its trips to the corn-field. During the first bright 
days of spring the Sparrow Hawks choose their nesting-place; and, although cold may delay egg-laying 
some weeks, the pair remain in the neighborhood of their home, going in and out at frequent intervals, 
as if the contemplation of the future responsibilities was a source of the greatest pleasure. When the nest 
is approached by man the birds leave with an air of indifference, and will not return so long as they 
believe they are watched. Their young are helpless in the extreme; even after they are large enough 
to fly, and have left the nest, they require a good deal of care for some weeks. Like the young of all 
birds of prey, they learn to provide for themselves slowly, and require much instruction and experience 
before they become expert enough to procure their daily food. 
When taken young the Sparrow Hawk makes an intelligent and companionable pet, and might, if 
properly trained, be of much use about the barn as a rnuuser. 
172 
