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BRITISH BIBD8 



the species last described. Small birds, mammals, reptiles, and 

 insects form its prey. It breeds, or formerly bred, in suitable locali- 

 ties in most English comities from the south coast northwards to 

 Norfolk, making its slight nest on the ground, among the furze- 

 bushes or heather. The eggs resemble those of the hen harrier in 

 colouring, but are smaller in size. 



Buzzard. 



Buteo vulgaris. 



Fig. 68. — Buzzard. ^ natural size. 



Upper parts, neck, and head dark brown mottled with brown 

 of a darker shade ; tail marked with twelve transverse bands ; 

 beak lead-coloured ; cere, irides, and feet yellow. Length : male, 

 twenty inches ; female, twenty-two inches. 



It is impossible for anyone who loves wild bird life to write about 

 the buzzard without a feeling of profound melancholy. For this hawk, 



