_Falco columbarius._
_Falco columbarius_, +Linn.+—+Wils.+
_Falco temerarius_, +Aud.+ pl. 75.
[4] Length 12 inches, expanse 25, tail 4⁴⁄₁₀, flexure 7⁴⁄₁₀, rictus
⁸⁄₁₀, tarsus 1⁶⁄₁₀, middle toe 1, claw ¹⁄₂, closed wings 1¹⁄₂ inch
short of the tip of the tail.
Though of small size, this bird is not lacking in spirit and courage,
often striking at prey nearly as large as itself. It hovers about
the savannas, frequently flying very near the grass or bushes, but
it seems to have favourite resorts. In the guinea-grass piece of
Mount Edgecumbe, which stretches along the sea-shore from Belmont to
Crab-pond, there are several hoary cotton-trees, (_Ceiba eriodendron_)
of giant size, around which I have rarely failed to see more than
one of these little Hawks. From one to another of these they sail
on graceful wing, usually alighting on a prominent branch, near the
summit. One which I shot from such a station, manifested no alarm at
being aimed at, but peeped down as if its curiosity were excited. The
smaller pigeons form the principal prey of this species; but sometimes
it appears to be unequal to the conquest of its quarry. My lad observed
a Hawk, one day, chasing a Pea-dove, which at length took refuge in a
low bush, but was followed by the Hawk; the shaking of the bush showed
that a struggle was going on, which seems to have terminated in favour
of the gentle Dove, for presently both emerged, the Dove flew off, and
the Hawk alighted on a tree close by; this same individual, being shot
and wounded, fought bravely with both beak and feet, drawing blood from
the hands of its slayer.
The Anis are acquainted with his prowess, and indicate their fear by
loud cries of warning to their fellows, huddling away to the nearest
bush. The Petchary and Loggerhead Tyrants are often pursued by him, but
often escape; for it is remarkable, that if his swoop is ineffectual,
he does not repeat it, but flies off. I have seen one descend upon a
flock of Tinkling Grakles, causing the whole body to curve downward
in their flight, and alight on a neighbouring tree. But it is said to
feed, in lack of better prey, upon beetles and dragonflies.
This species, which is a summer visitant of the United States, is a
permanent resident in Jamaica; but I know nothing of its nest.
* * * * *
In addition to the Falconidæ already mentioned, the following species
have occurred in Jamaica to the observation of Mr. Hill:—