422 
THE LIVING WORLD. 
The Sparrow Hawk ( Asturnisus ) is distinguished for the most reckless 
courage and pugnacity, which leads him to attack any bird without reference 
to size. When domesticated, it is affectionate towards its master, and a trustful 
SNOWY OWL. VEILED OWL. 
guardian of his fruit. It forms strange friendships, as for example, one formed 
an intimacy with a puppy, and the two strange companions became such fast 
friends that the effects of their sepa¬ 
ration was pitiful to see. At times 
the swallows and martens will band 
together and attack the sparrow hawk. 
The African Chanting Falcon 
{Metiera musicus) sings its matins 
and its vespers, and its notes are said 
to be very musical. 
The Corn Hawk (Circus cyaneus ) 
is singular among hawks because of 
the difference in coloration of male 
and female. Its habitat is the flat, 
open country, from the Isthmus of 
Panama to the Arctic regions. It 
is specially serviceable to the planter 
because it destroys the rats and mice 
in great numbers. 
The Windhover, or Kestril 
(.Falco tinunculus ), is a very beautiful 
European hawk which has the power 
of remaining poised in the air for a 
seemingly unlimited time. As will 
be seen from the illustration presented 
secretary bird. in The Living World, the markings 
are very beautiful, and the egg is also 
prettily spotted with brown. This bird was once used in falconry, for not only 
were different species trained for special kinds of game, but the distinctions of 
caste was confined to each class of falcons and hawks, and to certain social ranks, 
a distinction which was rigidly observed. 
