One is a fine adult, shot on Somerset Island some twelve years since; the other is in immature plumage, with the close barring of the under parts only just commencing to appear on the thighs.
Falco communis, Peregrine Falcon.—This bird, which Bonaparte separated from the European "communis" or "peregrinus," under the name "anatum" has now been restored, on the authority of Schlegel and other distinguished ornithologists, to its original position. It is a rare visitor to Bermuda. One was killed in 184(5 by Dr. Cole, 20th Regiment. Another was wounded and taken alive by a coloured man on the 1st February, 1850, and presented to Mr. Hurdis, who kept it for several months. A third was also captured, after a revolving gale, at the dockyard. I never saw this grand bird alive while I was quartered in the islands, but I examined a specimen in Mr. Bartram's collection, and another, in the 6esh, shot by Lieut. Tallents, 20th Regiment, at Peniston's Pond, on the 1Oth October, 1874.
Falco columbarius, Pigeon Hawk.—A frequent visitor, always in the autumn and winter months. Hardly a year passes without a few stragglers appearing. I saw one flying over Devonshire Swamp on the 2nd November, and obtained a beautiful male from the same place on the 3rd December, 1874.
Falco sparverius, American Sparrowhawk.—Only one recorded, shot near the Sluice Ponds on the 9th December, 1853, while in the act of pouncing on some chickens (Nat. in B., p. 24).
Buteo borealis, Red-tailed Buzzard; Hen Hawk.—Mr. Bartram has one specimen, an adult with fine chesnut tail, shot at Baylis's Bay, about twelve years ago, by a man named Hollis, who is still residing in the islands. About the same time a nest of this species containing young is said to have been found in the cliffs of Harrington Sound, but what became of this nest and its occupants history sayeth not. I see no reason to doubt the story, especially as it is corroborated by an authentic specimen of the bird; but I unfortunately did not see the man Hollis, as I meant to have done. Large hawks are mentioned as common in Bermuda by the old historians, and this species may have once been resident and numerous. The high cliffs on the north side of Harrington Sound offer great attractions to raptorial birds.
Archibuteo lagopus, var. Sancti-Johannis, Rough-legged Buzzard.—A dingy old specimen in Mr. Bartram's possession, covered with dust and cobwebs, and with all the quills and tail-feathers
