THE DUCK HAWK. 
183 
My bird was fastidious in the choice of food, would 
not touch a Woodpecker, however fresh, and as he 
grew older refused to eat birds that were in the least 
tainted. To the last he continued kind to me, and 
never failed to return at night to his favorite roost 
behind the window-shutter. His courageous dispo- 
sition 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.” 
The Duck Hawk is probably the swiftest-winged 
Hawk with which we are acquainted. When pursu- 
ing its prey it moves with astonishing rapidity, fol- 
lowing it in all its turnings and dodgings through 
the air until within a few feet of it, when it protrudes 
its talons, and closing its wings for a moment, rushes 
upon it, and if not too heavy, bears it off to the earth. 
He pursues the Ducks and Water Hens with such 
quickness as often to snatch them from the water 
before they could dive beneath it ; and with the most 
daring assurance will sometimes come at the report 
of a gun and carry off the prize almost from under 
the nose of the sportsman who has killed it. 
The Peregrine Falcon, which is a native of Europe, 
