TRAVELS IN THE CALIFORNIAS. 
891 
seven in extent. The wings and claws are extremely vigor¬ 
ous and powerful. 
Aquila Haliaeta , The Osprey or Fish Hawk, inhabits the 
coast, and many of the interior waters of this country. This 
bold and active fisher has been so well described by natural¬ 
ists, as to make any extended notice here superfluous, though 
his admirable traits of character, his perseverance, patience, 
and skill in his occupation as an angler, forbid us to entirely 
omit speaking of him. Almost every one who has visited the 
Atlantic coast, from Maine to Georgia, is acquainted with this 
bird, and has observed his well contested quarrels with the 
bald eagle. 
Falco peregrinus, The Black Hawk or Peregrine Falcon, is 
found in some parts, particularly the northern, where he is 
probably only a summer visitor. This hawk, as well as many 
other species, is called “ little eagle” by the Indians. 
Falco Islandicus, The Jer-Falcon, is an elegant and bold 
bird, probably the most beautiful of the tribe. He inhabits 
the northern coast, and is properly confined to the frozen re¬ 
gions, though individuals are by no means rare in Upper Cali¬ 
fornia. The color of this bird is nearly white, with small 
brown spots on the back and rump. Some specimens are met 
with whose color is purely and entirely white. It preys on 
plover, geese and ducks, which it strikes while on the wing 
with great vigor. It is an exceedingly strong winged and 
powerful bird, and measures about thirty inches in length, by 
four feet six inches in extent. 
Several other of the Falcons of lesser note are found here; 
among these may be mentioned the Falco sparvenus , Sparrow 
Hawk, well known all over North America, the Falco co - 
lumbarius , Pigeon Hawk, and the beautiful Accipiter plum 
barius , Gos Hawk, identical with the European species, s© 
celebrated for its use in the noble sport of falconry. 
Of the Owls there are several species. The Strix Virgi - 
niana, Great Horned Owl, often alarms the benighted traveller 
with its discordant hootings. It is somewhat different from its 
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