To the editors:

The bird on the front page of The Crimson (Feb. 25, 1999) is not a falcon. It is actually a red-tailed hawk, one of the most common birds of prey in North America. According to the field guide published by the American Bird Conservancy, both falcons and hawks are classified as raptors, and their body shape and markings may be somewhat similar.

There are, however, subtle differences that separate these two types of birds. One such feature is coloring, which, even in the black-and-white picture you published, resembles the coloring pattern of the mature (and the bird's apparent size appears to establish its maturity) red-tailed hawk more than that of any species of falcon.

Furthermore, despite the fact that there are efforts to re-establish falcon populations in the eastern United States, falcons remain very rare in New England--far more rare than the red-tailed hawk. Finally, I believe that I have seen the specific bird in that picture in the Yard before, and I identified it on that occasion (with the help of some friends) as a red-tailed hawk.

The editors would do well to consult field guides as aides in classifying wildlife. JOEL B. POLLAK '99   Feb. 25, 1999