BUZZARDc 315 



large dors, are hunted for, and it is known to devour earth- 

 worms. It has no objection to feed on even offensive carrion, 

 and frequently eats the dead lambs on the fells, but no one can 

 accuse it of sheep slaughter. 



In Wales and amongst the Lake Country fells it usually nests 

 on a broad ledge on crag or cliff ; too frequently these sites are 

 easily accessible ; but where there are trees it constructs a 

 bulky nest amongst the branches, and this was its habit when 

 it nested freely in the lowlands. Sticks and large branches, 

 heather roots and stems form the framework, and the lining is 

 of grass with, as a rule, a plentiful addition of green-leaved 

 branches or twigs ; these, as if it rejoiced in decoration, are 

 added after the eggs are laid and even when young are in the 

 nest. Mr. Walpole Bond doubts if the nest is ever lined with 

 wool, and he has had wide experience ; but I have found it in 

 Cumberland with a full wool lining, and there was no indica- 

 tion that it was the old nest of a Crow. The number of eggs 

 varies, but two or three seem the normal complement ; they 

 are dull or tinted white, blotched, streaked or faintly marked 

 with red, brown and violet (Plate 145). They are laid at 

 intervals of some days, and the bird or birds, for both are said 

 to incubate, sit when the first egg is laid. When the white 

 down-clad young are in the nest the old birds occasionally 

 protect them with courage, dashing at and even striking a 

 passer-by, but as a rule, mewing piteously, they keep at a safe 

 distance. 



The Buzzard is a very variable bird, but the normal dress is 

 dark brown, except on the lower breast and belly, which are 

 whitish, boldly barred or occasionally streaked with brown. 

 The tail is barred with brown and black. The cere and legs 

 are yellow, the irides dark brown. Females, except for their 

 superior size, resemble the males, but immature birds are paler. 

 Male : Length, 21 ins. Wing, 14' 5 ins. Tarsus, 3*1 ins. Female : 

 Length, 23 ins. Wing, 16 ins. 



