80 Mr. B, Alexander — Expedition 



recorded by Mr. Meade-Waldo under the name of M. iciinus 

 is the Black Kite, which is plentifully distributed over 

 the whole of Santiago, many birds taking up their abode 

 in the rocky clefts of the precipitous valleys. Hence 

 they swoop down among the huts and prey upon young 

 chickens, to the great annoyance of the peasants, who often 

 begged us to destroy these marauders, and great was their 

 delight when they saw some fall to our guns. Considerable 

 numbers also haunt many of the small bays along the coast, 

 where fishing is carried on. One day we surprised a Kite 

 in the act of devouring a Kittiwake Gull on a rock close 

 to the sea. Several remarkably handsome sj)ecimens were 

 obtained. 



4. Falco neglectus Schlegel. 



Many of these Kestrels frequent the plains, and sit hunched 

 up on the boulders, allowing one to pass close by without 

 showing the slightest concern. In the vicinity of habitations 

 their numbers increase. Their principal food consists of 

 lizards and locusts, which people the plains in thousands. 

 Hovering is seldom resorted to, the Kestrel merely making a 

 straight swoop from its point of vantage, for rapid execution is 

 absolutely necessary in order to fix the quick-moving lizard. 

 In February we found these Kestrels pairing ; the clear, 

 rattling love-cries of the female, whenever the male 

 approached, used to sound continually from nearly every 

 valley. In this species coloration in plumage varies con- 

 siderably, some birds exhibiting the ruddy colour of our 

 Kestrel, while others are very dark and lack the rufous tinge 

 altogether. Three specimens Avere obtained. 



5. Strix insularis Pelz, 



Not common, and found chiefly in the northern* portion 

 of the island. During our night rides we saw a few of 

 these Owls that sat on the '^purga^-" trees lining the roads. 

 On our approach they used to fly away screeching. The 

 natives also told us that they now and again drive them 

 out of the tops of the coconut-trees. 



