KITES 



103 



Sperwel of the Boers (occasionally also called the Blaauw 

 Valk), should, perhaps, not find a place in the present 

 chapter, as it is by far more useful than harmful ; in fact, 

 we know of very tVw authentic cases where the present species 



Fig. 57. — Black-shouldered Kite. 



can be accused of thieving. The farmers will tell you it is a 

 fearful chicken thief, but they may confuse it with several 

 other species. It feeds mainly on mice and rats, reptiles and 

 insects, varied by an occasional small bird or chicken. 



