94 
THE AMERICAN SPARROW-HAWK. 
at night to his favourite roost behind the window-shutter. His courageous 
disposition often amused the family, as he would sail off from his stand, and 
fall on the back of a tame duck, which, setting up a loud quack, would waddle 
off in great alarm with the Hawk sticking to her. But, as has often happened 
to adventurers of similar spirit, his audacity cost him his life. A hen and 
her brood chanced to attract his notice, and he flew to secure one of the 
chickens, but met one whose parental affection inspired her with a courage 
greater than his own. The conflict, which was severe, ended the adventures 
of poor Nero. 
I have often observed birds of this species in the Southern States, and 
more especially in the Eloridas, which were so much smaller than those met 
with in the Middle and Northern Districts, that I felt almost inclined to 
consider them different ; but after studying their habits and voice, I became 
assured that they were the same. Another species allied to the present, and 
alluded to by Wilson, has never made its appearance in our Southern States. 
American Sparrow-Hawk, Falco sparverius, Wils. Amer. On., vol. ii. p. 117. 
Falco sparveritjs, Bonap. Syn., p. 27. 
American Sparrow-Hawk, Falco sparverius , Nutt. Man., vol. i. p. 58. 
Faloo sparverius, Little Rusty-crowned Falcon, Swains, and Rich. F. Bor. Amen, 
vol. ii. p. 31. 
American Sparrow-Hawk, Falco sparverius, Aud. Orn. Biog., vol. ii. p. 246 ; 
vol. v. p. 370. 
Adult Male. 
Upper part of the head and wing-coverts light greyish-blue, seven black 
spots round the head, and a light red patch on the crown ; back light red, 
spotted with black ; tail red, with a broad subterminal black band. Female 
with the head nearly as in the male ; the back, wing-coverts, and tail banded 
with light red and dusky. Young similar to the female, but with more red 
on the head, which is streaked with dusky. 
Length 12 inches ; extent of wings 22. 
Genus X.— ASTUR, Cuv. HAWK. 
Bill short, robust ; its upper outline sloping, and nearly straight at the 
base, then decurved ; cere short, bare above; edge of upper mandible with a 
festoon, succeeded by abroad sinus. Nostrils elliptical. Feet of moderate 
length ; tarsi moderate or slender, feathered at least one-third of their length, 
broadly scutellate before and behind ; first and second toes strongest and 
