154 LOST AND VANISHING BIRDS 



various parts of South Europe, but Africa (where a 

 few are said also to breed in the extreme north) 

 south to the intertropical reahn, and in Asia, India, 

 Ceylon, and Burma. 



Montagu's Harrier is often seen in large flocks 

 on migration ; and wherever the bird has not been 

 persecuted, more or less social tendencies are 

 shown throughout the year. These birds pass into 

 Europe from the south very early in spring, the 

 individuals breeding in the British area reaching 

 us in April. The return journey takes place in 

 September and October. The favourite haunts of 

 this Harrier are extensive heaths and commons, 

 grain lands, and marshes. Its habits are very 

 similar to those of the preceding species. The 

 bird has the same eSiSy, graceful flight, the same 

 peculiarity of systematically hunting the ground 

 by passing to and fro and dropping down upon its 

 prey. At times it will glide for a long distance 

 with outspread motionless wings, or hover for a 

 few moments in a fluttering manner like the better- 

 known Kestrel. This bird appears to spend a 

 good deal of its time upon the ground. Like 

 its congeners, it is a persevering searcher after the 

 nests of other birds, and robs them of their eggs 

 and young, or even pounces down upon the sitting 



