irvtJ . 
L_ _ 
Falco sacer , vir. gyrfalco. Quite an ex- 
citement was recently created here by the 
report that an Eagle had been captured 
alive and brought to the military post by a 
man living on Goose Creek, some forty 
miles from here. As nobody seemed to be 
able to tell what it really was, and think- 
ing it was too small for an Eagle, they 
dubbed it Rock Eagle. I visited the place 
where it was confined, a stable, and found 
it was a Gyrfalcon ( Falco sacer,) which 
had probably come this far south because 
of the severe winter. As the specimen is 
alive I could not take measurements, but 
judging as near as possible, find as follows : 
A little over two feet long, wing about 15 
or 16 inches, tail 8 or 9, rather more 
than less ; tarsus feathered half way down 
front, bare strip behind, (in all probability 
this is variation Gyrfalco ;) bill and claws 
dark, crown darker than back, and heavy 
moustaches. I tried to buy this specimen 
but the owner would not sell. However, 
I have not given up all hopes of getting it 
yet. It sits under a carriage without being 
fastened and is fed on raw beef, holding 
the meat by one claw and tearing off small 
pieces. Although not an Eagle, it is a much 
rarer bird for this region. I do not know 
of any having been taken as far south as 
this. — Chas. F. Morrison, Ft. McKinney, 
Wyoming. 
[Comparing our correspondent’s description of this 11 Gyr- 
falcon ” with that in the authorities, leaves us in some de- 
gree of doubt as to the precise variety of the specimen 
found. In Fauna Boreali Americana, Falco sacer is said 
to be the “immature Gyrfalcon,” and the Gyrfalcon, Falco 
Islandicus, (Latham.) In the illustration in “ Animal King- 
dom,” the American Gyrfalcon, F. Greenlandicus , has the 
tarsus covered by hock feathers. Perhaps some of our cor- 
respondents who have undoubted specimens of each variety 
of Gyrfalcon will be able to throw light upon the subject. 
Comparing Check Lists, etc., on this matter has brought 
forcibly before us the necessity for a uniform and authori- 
tative system of nomenclature. “ From our correspon- 
dent’s description we suppose he identifies the bird as a 
specimen of Hierofalco gyrfalco sacer , (_Fors£.)— 4125. of 
last Smithsonian Check List.”— Editor,] 
q.&Q. IX. May. 1884. p. S Ti~ 
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