144 LOST AND VANISHING BIRDS 



The Honey Buzzard passes into Europe, often in 

 large flocks, about the middle of April, the migration 

 lasting for about a month, and returns south during 

 September and October. The British individuals 

 arrive in our area early in May. Its habits are 

 somewhat similar to those of the Kite and the 

 Common Buzzard. It is a somewhat sluggish bird, 

 spending much of its time upon the ground, where 

 it is said to run with remarkable speed and grace. 

 When in the air, however, it often indulges in those 

 soaring flights and sailing motions so characteristic 

 of the raptores. Its note is a Buzzard-like cry, an 

 oft-repeated querulous sound, seldom heard, how- 

 ever, except in the breeding season. The food of 

 this species largely consists of wasp grubs, to 

 obtain which it will dig into the ground with 

 great perseverance, apparently utterly oblivious 

 of the angry insects. Grasshoppers, frogs, 

 lizards, mice, worms, and small birds are also 

 eaten. 



The breeding season of this bird begins early in 

 June. Like the Kestrel, it does not make a nest 

 for itself, but selects the deserted home of a Crow, 

 a Magpie, a Kite, or a Common Buzzard, in which 

 to lay its eggs ; but before doing so it appears to re- 

 line the structure with a quantity of green leaves, 



