208 
Distribution. The greater part of the northern hemisphere, south in winter to Africa 
and South America. In Canada, across the continent north to the Arctic islands, nesting 
wherever there are steep cliffs in the vicinity of water. On migration, more common 
about water than elsewhere. 
SUBSPECIES. The American form of the Peregrine Falcon, the Duck Hawk 
Falco peregrinus anatum, is separated from the Old World representatives of the species 
by small details of colour. There is another race, Peale’s Falcon Falco peregrinus pealei , 
from the northwest coast of Queen Charlotte islands and northward, that is distinguished 
by its average darker colour. 
The Peregrine Falcon was, next to the Gyrfalcon, the most desirable 
hunting Hawk of the falconers of old, and is still used for this purpose by 
a few enthusiasts in the Old World, who keep up ancient traditions. In 
our imagination it is still associated with royal functions and court etiquette. 
Though of very wide distribution, it is nowhere common, and usually noth- 
ing more than a rare and picturesque visitor in Canada. 
Economic Status. The size of the prey which this bird can take is 
remarkable. Even the Mallard i3 often struck down and successfully 
brought to land to be eaten. Near one nest, the writer found the remains 
of several full-grown Ruffed Grouse that must have been carried to it, but 
on the prairies Franklin’s Gull seems to be its favourite prey. An examin- 
ation of the stomach contents of 16 specimens gave the following results: 
7 contained poultry or game birds; 9, other birds; 1, mice; and 2, insects. 
It is one of the few hawks that show a preference for feathered, over furred, 
food. Fortunately for itself, it is as wary as it is spirited, and rarely comes 
close to man’s residence or his poultry yards. Its favourite hunting grounds 
are the mud-flats frequented by Shore Birds, or the marshes where Ducks 
congregate. An accomplished killer of wild fowl, the Peregrine is a thorough 
sportsman in its hunting, and captures its game by direct, irresistible 
attack, or straight pursuit, instead of crafty surprise, and, as a sportsman 
and an historical character, can claim some indulgence from human rivals. 
There should be enough game in the country to support so picturesque a 
character without arousing the jealousy of other hunters. 
357. Pigeon Hawk (Including Richardson’s Merlin and Black Pigeon Hawk). 
American merlin. Folco columbarius. L, 10. A small Falcon, very similar in size and 
coloration to the Sharp-shinned Hawk. Adult 
male: back, pale slate blue (almost gull-blue), 
dark slate, or bluish-black, shaft-streaked with 
black. Tail, barred with the same blue, and 
with black in varying proportions. Below, 
white or cream more or less heavily streaked 
with ochre and brown, heaviest and darkest on 
flanks. Throat, pure, or nearly pure, white, 
immaculate or nearly so. Thighs, strongly 
tinged with warm buff, more or less brown 
streaked. 
Adult female resembles the juvenile, with 
sometimes an approach to the blue back of the 
male. 
Juvenile: back brown or sandy brown, to 
nearly black, slightly shaft-streaked. Tail, 
uniform dark, or barred with dark of back and 
greyish or buffy-white, the dark areas being wider than the light. Below, cream or deep 
buff, more or less heavily streaked with dark or sandy brown. Throat, light to white, 
sometimes immaculate, usually sparsely streaked. 
Distinctions. Recognized as a Falcon by pointed wings and toothed bill (Figures 
228 and 229). Distinguished from other Falcons except Sparrow Hawk by smaller size. 
Easily separated from that species by entirely different coloration, especially the absence 
of any red. 
Figure 232 
First primaries of Pigeon Hawks; 
scale, $. 
a. Common Pigeon Hawk and Richardson's 
Merlin. 
b. Black Merlin. 
