BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 193 



The Common Kite (Milvus j-egalis, Brissonj can only be 

 considered an accidental visitor to the British Isles, although 

 a few pairs, probably resident birds, are occasionally found 

 nesting in this country. It also occurs in most parts of 

 Europe, with the exception of the extreme north and east. 

 The adult male has the head and neck whitish, with streaks 

 of blackish-brown; remainder of upper parts, reddish-brown : 

 the feathers on mantle, streaked in centre with blackish; 

 primaries, blackish; tail, forked and rufous-coloured; under 

 parts, rufous, with blackish-brown stripes on breast; irides, 

 yellow; bill, horn colour; cere, legs, and feet, yellow. 

 Length, from twenty-four to twenty-six inches. The female 

 closely resembles the male in plumage, but is a little larger 

 in size. 



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