The SPARROW FALCON (_Rhynchodon sparverius_) is a well-known member of
this group, inhabiting the entire continent of America. This species
varies so remarkably in its plumage as to render description almost
impossible; indeed, it would be difficult to find two specimens
completely alike in their colours. Suffice it, therefore, to say that the
feathers upon the back are usually reddish brown, striped with black; the
outer web of the quills is black, the two exterior quills being bordered
with white, and the rest spotted with white towards the root; the inner
web is tipped with white and marked with conical black and white spots,
which run one into the other. The eyes, cere, and feet are yellow, the
beak is tipped with blackish blue, whilst the middle portion is whitish
blue and the base yellow. This species measures about nine inches ten
lines in length, and is about twenty inches broad; the wing measures six
inches nine lines, and the tail about four inches. The female is an inch
longer and two inches broader than her mate. Some naturalists consider
that the species found in North and South America are different, but in
this opinion we do not concur.
Our readers will form an accurate idea of the Sparrow Falcon if we
describe it as a very powerful and courageous Kestrel, which subsists
not merely upon insects or small quadrupeds, but will grapple with the
largest of its own formidable race. Tschudi tells us that it pounces upon
an adversary five times as large as itself, and despite all efforts to
dislodge it, succeeds in overcoming its prey. Naturalists differ as to
the situations preferred as breeding-places, some affirming that the
eyrie is found in holes of trees, and that the brood consists of from
five to seven eggs; whilst Tschudi, on the contrary, tells us that the
nest is placed upon rocks or old buildings, and that not more than two or
three eggs are laid; these are round, of a white or reddish yellow tint,
and spotted with brownish red. At the approach of winter the greater
number of these birds migrate to Brazil; some few stragglers, however,
remain throughout the year in their native country.
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The DWARF FALCONS (_Hierax_), the smallest members of the Falcon group
are met with in Southern Asia; they do not exceed a Lark in size, but
are as courageous and bold as the largest of their marauding fraternity;
they are recognisable by their short powerful beak, the upper mandible of
which is toothed, and furnished on each side with a projecting appendage;
by their short wings, of which the second and third quills are longer
than the rest; and by their very short tail, cut straight at its tip;
the tarsi are short and strong, the middle toe slightly elongated, and
the claws very powerful. These elegant little Falcons, which from their
appearance have been compared to small Parrots, are inhabitants of
India and the Moluccas, no less than six different species having been
described as belonging to those parts.