py) BIRDS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 
from the ground; therefore hares, rabbits, and even 
labs, occasionally form its food as well as young 
birds: however, to make up in some degree for these 
mischievous propensities, it will also eat mice, 
worms, and even snakes. It also, in a manner, ful- 
fils the duties which in warmer climates devolve 
upon the Vulture, as it feeds on carrion and all sorts 
of offal, which it will even sweep from the surface of 
the water with great dexterity.* While on the sub- 
ject of the food of the Kite, I may observe that it is 
also said to take fish from the water.t It is also said 
occasionally to visit the poultry-yard, but as it is not 
a very plucky bird, hens sometimes succeed in pro- 
tecting their young and driving off the intruder. It 
is easily kept in confinement, and attains a great age ; 
one account, in the ‘ Zoologist, says as much as 
forty years. 
“The nest is formed of sticks, and lined with 
various soft materials: it is usually placed in the 
forked branch of a tree in a thick wood.” { 
Not having a Kite in my own collection, and I am 
afraid not having much chance of getting one, I have 
taken the following description from Meyer’s ‘ British 
Birds’ :—‘ The adult male has the beak black at the 
tip, bluish towards the base; cere yellow; irides 
ANS 
* Montagu’s Dictionary, by Newman. 
tr Carrel ly pvolisi: pyre oe 
{Olds peel: 
