natural history 
103 
SPARROW HAWK. 
The Sparrow Hawk is a spirited and 
well-shaped bird, about as big as a large 
wood-pigeon ; his beak is short, crooked, 
and ol n bluish tint; the tongue black, and 
a little cleft ; and tbo eyes of a mean size. 
These birds generally build their nests in 
hollow trees, and- lay four or five eggs, 
marked at the larger end with reddish spots. 
When wild, they possess a boldness and 
courage above their bigness; for they un- 
sparingly attack all kinds of game, and 
oftentimes seize upon both pigeons and 
poultry. 
The Sparrow Hawk was held in great 
esteem among the ancient Egyptians, their 
god Osiris being represented under this form- 
