lO 
BIRDS OF PREY. 
NesL On tree or cliff ; a loosely arranged platform of dry sticks, 
sometimes partially lined with grass, leaves, or moss. 
“- 4 ! reddish brown — sometimes of bright tint — marked with 
dull red and ricli brown ; 2.10 X 1.60. 
The celebrated, powerful, and princely Falcon is common 
both to the continent of Europe and America. In the former 
they are chiefly found in mountainous regions, and make their 
nests in the most inaccessible clefts of rocks, and very rarely 
in trees, laying 3 or 4 eggs of a reddish-yellow, with brown 
spots. In Europe they seldom descend to the irlains, and 
avoid marshy countries. The period of incubation lasts but 
a short time, and commences in winter, or very early in the 
spring) so that the young acquire their full growth by the 
middle of May. They are supposed to breed 'in the tall trees 
of the desolate cedar swamps in New Jersey. Audubon, how- 
ever, found them nesting on shelving rocks on the shores of 
Labrador and Newfoundland, laying from 2 to 5 eggs of a 
rusty yellowish brown, spotted and blotched with darker tints 
of the same color. They also breed on shelving rocks in the 
Rocky Mountains, where Mr. Townsend obtained a specimen 
on Big Sandy River of the Colorado of the West in the month 
of July. When the young have attained their growth, the 
parents drive them from their haunts, with incessant and 
piercing screams and complaints, — an unnatural propensity 
which nothing but dire necessity, the difficulty of acquiring 
sustenance, can palliate. 
In strength and temerity the Falcon is not exceeded by 
any bird of its size. He soars with easy and graceful motions 
amidst the clouds or clear azure of the sky ; from this lofty 
elevation he selects his victim from among the larger birds, — • 
Crouse, Pheasants, Pigeons, Ducks, or Geese. Without being 
perceived, he swiftly descends, as if falling from the clouds in 
a perpendicular line, and carries terror and destruction into 
the timid ranks of his prey. In.stead of flying before their 
relentless enemy, the Partridge and Pheasant run and closely 
hide in the grass, the Pigeons glance aside to avoid the fatal 
blow which is but too sure in its aim, and the Water Fowls seek 
