206 THE USEFUL BIRDS 



two genera are anatomically closely connected, and Professor 

 Alfred Newton snggests the possibility tliat both are 

 descendants from the Sparrow-hawk of New Zealand, a bird 

 of nmch higher courage than any Kestrel. 



Both sexes take part in incubation, the male sitting in a 

 hollow of another tree during the night, but relieving its mate 

 in the task of incubation during the day. The eggs in my 

 collection were taken from the deserted nest of the White- 

 winged Chough. The young, which are three or four in 

 number, when ready to fly are without yellow'cere. 



The flight of the bird is buoyant and easy, and when 

 performing circles high up in the air on a summer's day they 

 present the characteristic flight of their genus. 



I have noticed the remark that insects fly high during 

 mid-day, and the Kestrel follows in pursuit. It is nomadic. 

 and is guided in its wanderings according to the movements 

 of the various insects and other food upon which it subsists. 

 The specific name applies to a certain disposition of the 

 markings.* A new species was discovered last year by Mr. 

 MilHgan in Western Australia. 



Nest. — The debris in a hollow spout, or on a cliff side. 



Eggs. — Four to a clutch ; colour reddish-brown, the 

 blotches and spots being heavier than the ground colour, and 

 varying in intensity. Length, 1.5 inches ; breadth, 1.2 

 inches. 



* Cencliris is a species beyond Australia. It is not improbable 

 Cenchroides was so named because of its likeness to the form of that 

 species. 



