214 BIRDS. 



to its requirements the deserted nests of crows and other 

 birds. Egfii<j 4, 5, or 6, i=i inch; pale blue, with red 

 blotches. 



The Kite is very rare nowadays, and only known to 

 breed in a few spots in Wales and Scotland, the precise 

 locality of which those who are in the secret 

 wisely conceal. In Ireland it is still rarer. 

 Its long forked tail and exceedingly graceful gliding flight 

 distinguish it from others of its size. Its destructiveness 

 is probably on a j^ar with that of the last, the damage 

 being confined for the most part to the time when there- 

 are young in the nest. The nest, found in lofty trees, is 

 not unlike that of the last, but a considerable quantity of 

 rags and other rubbish is usually found in its lining. Egffs, 

 3,23^ inches ; bluish white, with red spots and blotches. 



Black Kite. — A rare straggler from the South, which has 

 been recorded once only — in Northumberland. 



Sivallow-tailed Kite. — An American bird, said to have 

 visited these islands (Harting) on five occasions. Mr 

 Saunders, however, discredits all but one, and regards even 

 that as a bird escaped from confinement. 



It is doubtful whether the Honey-buzzard, known by 

 the three dark bars on the tail and the white, brown- 

 * Honey- spotted breast, breeds any longer in these 

 buzzard, inhospitable islands, where collectors are as 

 thick as thieves. It visits us, however, every May, and it 

 is possible that a few, a very few, remain to nest under 

 the protection of those for whom the high prices ofi'ered 

 have no charm. Let us hope so. To Ireland it finds its 

 way but rarely, though it has been recorded from there 

 on several occasions of late years. Wild bees and honey 

 are the staple food of this inoffensive bird during the warm 

 weather, after which it eats small mammals, reptiles, birds, 

 and even worms. Colonel Butler recently reported one in 

 the 'Field,' which was shot in Suffolk as late as July 1, 



