The birds which form the next family differ from the Falcon in having no teeth in the upper mandible of the bill; their tarsi, also, are longer, and their wings shorter. Their flight, too, is both less high and less rapid than that of the Falcon. They are found in all parts of the globe, presenting some slight modifications due to the influence of climate. They generally feed on small birds and reptiles, and exceptionally on very small mammals. They are divided into Goshawks proper and Sparrow-hawks.
There are various species of the Goshawk, all characterised by very strong tarsi, one only of which, the Common Goshawk, is a native of Europe.
Fig. 295.—Goshawks (Astur palumbarius).
Fig. 296.—Common Sparrow-hawk (Accipiter nisus).
The Common Goshawk ([Fig. 295]) is by no means rare in France and England. In summer it frequents the oak and beech woods which cover the mountain-sides, and sometimes ventures near habitations to carry off Fowls and Pigeons. At the commencement of autumn it descends into the plains, making its nest on the skirts of some extensive wood, from which it darts out upon Partridges, Grouse, or young Leverets, which form its principal food. It pursues Larks with such ardour that it often falls into the snares laid for these birds; but it will never attempt to get free from the trap until it has satiated its sanguinary appetite. When hunting for its prey it skims over the ground and bushes, carefully inspecting each. Should it perceive a victim, it approaches with caution until within striking distance, when it suddenly darts upon its prey with unerring precision. This bird is as large as the Gyrfalcon, but, although equal in cunning and address, is possessed of less courage.
The Goshawk is difficult to tame; its ferocious nature is not subdued by captivity. In 1850, a young one four months old, kept in the Botanical Garden of the Natural History Society of Savoy, killed with its claws and bill a Kite the same age as itself, which had been its companion for fifteen days. The young savage tore its victim to pieces and fed on the carcass, although it had not the least necessity for food, being perfectly well cared for.
The Common Goshawk is also found in the North of Africa. Two other species are known in North America.
The Sparrow-hawks are distinguished from the preceding birds by the slenderness of their tarsi. The Common Sparrow-hawk ([Fig. 296]) is found all over Europe. In France it is a constant resident. Although smaller, it has much the same habits as the Goshawk, but is bolder, and will carry off Partridges, or other small game, under the very hands of sportsmen or gamekeepers. It will even attack and devour Fowls and chickens in the poultry-yard, and so absorbed does it become in the enjoyment of its feast that a person may sometimes get sufficiently near to capture it. In the plains where game is abundant, Sparrow-hawks are very destructive, and consequently are seldom spared when within gunshot.