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Nest and Eggs. — These birds build 

 large, coarse nests, usually high up 

 in tall trees. The outer part is com- 

 posed of sticks roughly laid together 

 and lined with grasses or any available 

 rubbish. 



A pair of these kites have been 

 nesting for several years on the tall 

 tower of the Soochow University 



They return regularly each year in 

 spite of the destruction of the nest 

 each time. 



The eggs in a clutch vary from 1 

 to 3 in number, 2 being the usual 

 number. Greenish white is the ground 

 color and it is variously marked with 

 several shades of brown or at times 

 even with violet. 



Notes. — One of the most familiar of 

 Chinese birds, seen soaring high in the 

 air, or swooping about the settlements 

 on the keen lookout for ofifal or scraps 

 of almost any description. 



These other representatives of this 

 sub-family also occur in the Yangtse 

 Valley :— 



Haliastur Indus (Bodd.), Brahminy 

 kite. 



Butastur indicus (Gm.), Grey-faced 

 Buzzard-Eagle. 



Haliaetus albicilla (L.), White-tailed 

 Sea Eagle. 



Sub-Family, Aquilinae, the Eagles. 



The true Eagles form the largest and 

 most famous subdivision of this family. 

 Their wings are long, and the tail of 

 moderate length, and slightly rounded. 

 The tarsus is feathered to the toes. 

 The claws are large, sharp, and curved. 



