FALCONID^E. 



355 











THE KESTREL. 

 Falco tinnunculus, Linnaeus. 



The Kestrel— also familiarly known as the Wind-hover, from its 

 habit of hanging almost motionless in air against the wind— is the 

 most abundant of the British birds of prey ; and would be still more 

 numerous than it is, but for its persecution by persons who ought 

 to be aware that it feeds principally upon rodents, and is, therefore, 

 one of the best friends of the agriculturist. It is generally dis- 

 tributed throughout the United Kingdom ; but in Scotland, where its 

 harmlessness and utility are now recognized by the more intelligent 

 gamekeepers, it migrates, as a rule, from the northern districts in 

 winter ; at which season its numbers in England are further increased 

 by visitors from the Continent, chiefly on passage. 



To the Faroes the Kestrel is only a wanderer, and it has not 



