BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 197 



The Swallow-tailed Kite {E/anoides furcatus, Linnaeus) is 

 a very rare irregular autumn migrant to the British Islands, 

 and is found inhabiting in summer both the tropical and 

 temperate portions of America. In winter it is migratory. 

 The adult has the head, neck, rump, and all the under 

 parts, white, tinged in parts with bluish-grey ; rest of 

 plumage, glossy black, with purple and blue reflections ; 

 irides, red ; cere, light blue. Length, about twenty-four 

 inches. The female is similar to the male, but is a trifle 

 larger in size. 



