130 FALCONIi:).^.. 



that can be seized on the ground, reptiles and fishes ; but 

 perhaps water-rats and frogs form its chief food, and birds' 

 eggs are an irresistible delicacy. The nest is generally on 

 the ground among sedge, in a bunch of reeds, fern or furze, 

 or at the base of a sallow-bush, but a few instances of its 

 being placed in a tree are recorded. It is formed of sticks, 

 rushes or coarse grass. The eggs are three or four in num- 

 ber, white with a pale greenish tinge, and sometimes slightly 

 spotted with light reddish-brown. They measure from 2*08 

 to 1*84 by 1-58 to 1-44. While the hen is sitting her mate 

 may be observed for the greater part of the day soaring to a 

 considerable height. 



On the continent this species does not extend far towards 

 the north. In Norway it has occurred but very seldom and 

 only in the extreme south. In Sweden it breeds in suitable 

 localities of the southern and midland provinces, as also in 

 (Eland, but it is not known to have occurred in Finland. 

 In Russia and Siberia it is common enough, according to 

 Pallas, but Herr Radde considers that the statement only 

 refers to the western districts of the latter, for he met with 

 it but twice in the east, and neither Dr. von Middendorff 

 nor Dr. von Schrenck mention its occurring to them. Cap- 

 tain Blakistou obtained it in Japan, whence also there is a 

 specimen in the Leyden Museum. It is generally spread 

 throughout India, and not unfrequently, says Mr. Jerdon, 

 carries off wounded birds from the sportsman. De Filippi 

 met with it at Tiflis, and it has been obtained by English 

 travellers at Trebizond, Erzeroom and Smyrna. In Palestine 

 it is very common throughout the year in open places, and 

 it breeds, according to Dr. A. E. Brehm, in the Delta, but 

 Dr. von Heuglin never observed it in Egypt in summer. 

 Mr. Blanford saw it occasionally in the highlands of 

 Abyssinia. Mr. Ayres has obtained it in the territory of the 

 Trans-Vaal Republic. It occurs in Algeria, but seems to 

 be scarce there and at Tangiers ; Mr. Drake, however, states 

 that it is common in Eastern Morocco. Ledru many years 

 ago observed it at Teueriffe in the Canary Isles, but Dr. 

 Bolle did not. Mr. Saunders describes it as being abundant 



