THE BIRDS OE AUSTRALIA. 
are in the neighbourhood of inland lakes and rivers. In such situations it 
dwells in pairs throughout the year, much after the manner of the Peregrine.” 
Dr. Morgan has given me a note : “ These birds are sparingly distributed 
throughout the southern portions of South Australia. I have seen them as 
far north as KaUioota. At Laura they became fairly common at one time 
when the keeping of carrier pigeons became the fashion : a bird or two were 
constantly hanging about the outskirts of the town on the look-out for the 
pigeons, amongst which they wrought great havoc. A fine male bird was 
brought to me which I found on dissection to contain the whole of a pigeon, 
beak, bones, claws and many of the feathers. He was shot by the owner of 
the pigeon whilst sleeping off the effects of his meal. Two eggs of this bird 
taken from a cliff on the Eiver Murray near Tailen Bend measure 5.35 x 3.90 
and 5.00 x 3.90 cm.” 
Captain S. A. White states: “The Black-cheeked Falcon is not a 
common bird in South Australia, but is occasionally seen down south, often 
during times of drought. It is a bold, fearless bird, and will swoop down 
on its prey like an avalanche. Waterfowl, small birds and the like are all 
food to this bird.” 
From the Austr. Mus. Spec. Cat., No. 1, I extract the following notes, 
which are all of interest. Mr. George Savidge has written : “ The Black- 
cheeked Falcon {Falco melanogenys) is sparingly dispersed over the Upper 
Clarence Eiver District. I saw a solitary specimen at Jamba, Clarence Heads, 
where I thought it quite in its element ; a strong wind was blowing at the 
time, and it was flying low amongst the numerous Gulls and other sea-birds, 
upon which it no doubt preys. I did not observe it after any quarry there, 
but it seemed to be able to pass by the numerous birds quite easily. For 
power of wing and magnificent flight this fierce bird easily takes the palm 
of all the Accipitres inhabiting this part. I have been spellbound when this 
bird has suddenly, and without warning, made its swoop close to me. To 
hear the rushing sound as it dashes through the air with folded wings after 
ducks or pigeons is worth going a long way for. The male is a much smaller 
bird than the female, but equally as daring. I have watched them chase my 
pigeons until they became mere specks in the sky ; at last the Falcon reaches 
them, or perhaps they head down to try to pass their pursuer (hard to decide 
at such a distance). I watched one make two unsuccessful swoops ; he missed 
the bird twice, but at the third attempt the pigeon was seized and carried 
away. Upon one occasion, at our local pigeon match, a Falcon suddenly 
appeared and seized the pigeon which had been liberated from one of the 
traps and had been shot. It carried the pigeon away across the river, amidst 
the shouting of the many people assembled at the match. Usually they 
244 
