FALCO 
ISLANDICUS. 
ICELAND FALCON. 
PALOO ISLANDICUS. Gmel. Syst. Nat., Yol. I., p. 275, (1788).— Cassin. B. of Am., p. 13.— Hancock. Ann. & Mag., Nat. Hist., 2nd. 
Ser., Yol. NIII., (1854), p. 110.— Ibis. Yol. IY., (1862), p. 46. 
PALCO GYRFALCO ISLANDICUS. Schlep, Mus. d’liist. Nat. des Pays-Bas, line. Livr., p. 14. — Ib. Rev. Crit. Ois. d’Eur., Yol. I., p. 1. 
Ibid. Trait, de Paucon, pi. 2. 
Although closely resembling tbe Greenland Falcon, tlie present bird is never in any stage of plumage as white as its relative. 
Great confusion has existed in the synonoiny of the three so-considered species of Jcr-Falcons, and no one has contributed so much 
information regarding them as Hancock, who, in the paper quoted above, thus characterizes the difference between this bird and the 
F. Caudicans ; “ The former, (the Greenland Falcon), in fact, may be stated to have white feathers with dark markings, the latter 
dark feathers with white markings ; besides that the mature Iceland Falcon is farther distinguished by conspicuous transverse bands 
above and on the flanks, and by the blue color of the beak and bright yellow of the cere and feet.” Mr. Hancock derived his 
information from observing the living birds in the gardens of the Zoological Society in London, and perceiving the changes undergone 
by them in their different periods of moulting 
Though we may consider the true habitat of this fine Hawk to be the island from which it takes its name, yet it is not confined 
within its boundaries, but is frequently found in Greenland, sometimes in Great Britain even, and also penetrates into the high northern 
regions of our own continent, and has been known in severe winters to pass within the borders of the United States. 
In the days, when, in the Old World, Falconry was the principal sport of the highest in the land, for it was eminently a royal pursuit, 
the northern Falcons were greatly esteemed, and immense prices were often paid for a well-trained bird. 
The flight of this Hawk is powerful, well sustained, and extremely rapid. Its prey consists of hares, rabbits, grouse, ptarmigan, 
ducks, etc., which it strikes with its talons. If the quarry is a bird, and endeavors to escape by means of its wings, the Hawk 
by repeated circlings executed with great ease and beauty, mounts above its destined victim, and swooping upon it, bears it to the earth. 
Dr. Sclater writing about this bird in Wolf’s Zoological Sketches, says: “In the days of the Danish Monarchy, the Royal Falconer 
sailed once every year to Iceland to receive the tribute of these noble Falcons, which had been taken from their nests for that pur- 
pose. The high value set upon such of these as survived the perils of the voyage, and the severities consequent on the discipline 
practised on them whilst in training, is a matter of history.” 
Professor Sciilegel in his magnificent work entitled “ Traite de Fauconnerie,” gives an account of this bird, a translation of which 
I here insert : “ Mr. Thieneman is the only traveller who has furnished any facts regarding the manner of life of the Falcon in its wild 
state. This naturalist states that these birds prefer to dwell during the summer in the interior of the island of Iceland. They con- 
struct their nests, composed entirely of branches, in the clefts of the most precipitous and inaccessible cliffs. The eggs are two to 
three in number, a little larger than those of the Kite, the color resembling those of the Hobby, that is to say, a greenish white 
covered with reddish brown spots of various sizes, more or less distinct. 
“ At this time of the year, the land and water birds, together with their young, become an easy prey to this Falcon, and thus they 
provide abundantly for the wants of their offspring; but at the approach of winter, when the majority of the birds have migrated, this 
falcon subsists almost exclusively upon ptarmigan. It visits then the borders of the sea, and often conies to the dovecotes in pursuit of 
the tame pigeons. Those water-birds which are capable of diving do not fear his attack when they are swimming; but they fall into 
the power of this dangerous enemy when he surprises them perched upon the rocks.” 
Adult. Upper parts white, transversely banded with dark brown, as is also the white tail. Quills brownish-black at their tips. 
Under parts white, with generally a few longitudinal brown lines. Bill blue, claws brownish-black. 
Young. Brown, transversely banded with white; under parts whitish, profusely spotted with irregularly shaped marks of brown. 
Primaries and tail dark brown, banded with dull w'hite. 
The figure is life-size. 
