Western Bird Guide: Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific

by Charles K. Reed

DESERT SPARROW HAWK.

360a. Falco sparverius phalæna. 11 inches.

This is next to the smallest of the Falcons, the Eastern form being a trifle smaller. They cannot be mistaken for any other species, because of their bright color and markings as illustrated. Their flight will almost of a certainty identify them at a long distance, a few rapid wing beats, then a short sail, alternately. Their food consists of grasshoppers, mice and an occasional small bird.

Nest.—Is built in the cavity of some tree, either in the woods or open field. The eggs are placed on the decayed wood without any lining.