EGGS OP BRITISH BIRDS. 5 



migrations carry it to Africa, to India, and through China to the 

 Burmese Provinces and the Malayan Islands. 



The breeding-season of the Peregrine commences early in April, 

 the young in down being often found in the beginning of May. 

 Its nesting-sites are various. In some localities the nest is placed 

 in the tallest trees, the most inaccessible rocks, and in some 

 countries, such as Finland and Lapland, the ground alone is oft- 

 times chosen. 



The eggs of the Peregrine Falcon vary from two to four in 

 number. The ground-colour of the egg, when exposed, is a pale 

 yellowish -white, and the markings vary from brick -red and 

 orange-brown to rich reddish-brown. Many of the eggs are often 

 suffused with a beautiful purplish tint, which is seen, but more 

 rarely, on the eggs of the Kestrel. The eggs of the Peregrine 

 Falcon vary considerably in size and form, some being much elon- 

 gated, others almost globular. They vary in length from 2'15 to 

 1*95 inch, and in breadth from 1*75 to 1*52 inch. 



THE HOBBY. 

 (Falco subbuteo.) 



Plate 4, Figs. 8, 9. 



The Hobby has become a rare and local bird in England. It 

 was formerly a regular summer visitor. Its principal breeding- 

 grounds are the forest districts of the north of France, the 

 Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, South Scandinavia, and Russia 

 south of lat. 65°. In other parts of Europe the Hobby is only 

 known as a migrant, and it passes south by the Nile Valley to 

 winter in Africa. At the latter season it is also found in Northern 

 India and in China. 



The Hobby still nests in some parts of England. My friend, 

 Mr. Frank Norgate, found it breeding in Foxley Wood, near 

 Norwich, in 1882, and saw three nests of this rare Falcon in the 

 same wood on one day, each containing three eggs. They were 

 all old Common Crow's nests in oak trees. 



The eggs of the Hobby vary in length from 1*8 to 16 inch, and 

 in breadth from 1"4 to 1*3 inch. They are scarcely distinguishable 

 from those of the Kestrel, but are generally rougher in texture, 

 not of so brilliant a red, nor so boldly spotted. 



