GALLINACEOUS BIRDS 
149 
observation post. It beats about over meadows, occasionally stops and 
hovers for a moment on quickly beating wings like a kingfisher, and then 
drops upon its quarry. 
Calling this bird a “Sparrow Hawk“ is a slanderous misnomer. That 
name, by right of description and association with Old World forms, 
belongs to the Sharp-shinned Hawk, which is a confirmed small bird killer 
and a close relative of the European Sparrow Hawk. Grasshopper Hawk 
would be a far better descriptive term for this little falcon, for grasshoppers 
are its favourite food. 
Economic Status. Although a true falcon, this bird is one of the most 
efficient and valuable protectors of the farm. Of 291 stomachs examined: 
1 contained a game-bird (Quail); 53, other birds; 89, mice; 13, other 
mammals; 12, reptiles or batrachians (frogs, etc.); 215, insects; and 
29, spiders. Of the birds examined, 43 were taken in the winter months, 
from December to April. Of specimens taken in seasons when insects are 
available only IQ stomachs contained birds. This record shows that 
birds are killed by this falcon from necessity rather than choice. The 
“other mammals” were mostly harmful rodents, with a very few shrews. 
The insects are usually grasshoppers which do great damage and are 
difficult to control. From the above evidence it is obvious that the Sparrow 
Haw r k is beneficial and should be protected. 
This is a bird that could be advantageously and successfully attracted 
about the prairie farms and ranch houses. Dependent as it is on flicker 
holes or similar cavities for nesting sites, its normal breeding is limited to 
the vicinity of trees of considerable size. However, it is very adaptable, 
and has followed the Flicker out along the telegraph lines into the most 
open country, utilizing for nesting the premises of the original excavator. 
Suitable bird-houses erected on poles on the bare prairie would probably 
be found and utilized by it. 
Order — Galliformes. Gallinaceous Birds, Scratching Birds 
As the name implies, these birds are adapted for securing their food 
by scratching the ground. The best popular representatives are the 
common barnyard fowl. They are found in almost every country in the 
world. In North America we have native only one division of the group. 
SUBORDER— GALLI. FOWL-LIKE BIRDS 
General Description. This suborder is composed of birds with strong, compact feet, 
four toes, and blunt claws adapted for scratching the ground (Figure 218). Legs and feet 
may be heavily feathered to end of toes (See Ptarmigan, Figure 198). Though best adapted 
Figure 218 
Typical foot of scratching bird. 
Figure 219 
Typical bill of scratching bird. 
