37 
for my inspection ; and I find it to be, as represented, an example of 
the above species. I have not, however, figured this bird; it would 
be desirable to see other examples. 
27. TINNUNCULUS 8PARVERIUS. 
American Kestrel. 
A specimen of this bird, killed in Yorkshire, is now in the posses- 
sion of the Rev. C. Hudson, of Trowell Rectory, near Nottingham, 
who states that it has been in his possession for about twelve years, 
and that he purchased it from a joiner named Brown, formerly living 
at Thorpe Hall, who was an enthusiastic collector of birds, and in 
the habit of preparing them for people in that neighbourhood. 
Brown’s account of the bird, which he denominated the “ American 
Falcon,” was that it was shot between Bridlington and Bridlington 
Quay, one Sunday morning, by a man who sold it to him for eigh- 
teen pence. Through the kindness of Mr. F. J. 8. Foljambe, 
Mr. Hudson kindly sent up his bird for my inspection, when I 
found it to be a very fine adult male of the American Kestrel, and 
not, as supposed, a second example of the 7”. cenchris. 
Subfamily MILVIN AK. 
Genus Mityvvs. 
The true Kites, or the members of this genus as now restricted, 
are birds of the Old World, over which they are so generally distri- 
buted that, with the exception of New Zealand and Polynesia, one 
or other of the few species known are to be found in every part of 
it. Their disposition is less cruel than that of the true Falcons ; 
and they feed principally on garbage; they are consequently useful 
scavengers, and, moreover, arrant thieves. 
2 Omi VUSHREGATICMe ss 6 ve ane oe i Vol 1. Pl xexue 
Kare or GueaD. 
The common Kite of England, which in Shakspeare’s time might 
probably be hourly seen soaring over the metropolis, is now, thanks 
to the exterminating hand of man, rarely to be seen in any part of 
the country. If a solitary pair should occasionally be met with, 
they should be hailed with reverence as being almost the sole rem- 
nant of a departed race, so far as our islands are concerned ; for in 
Central and Eastern Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa the spe- 
cies still exists. The Kites build large, grotesque, untidy nests of 
moss, wool, rags, and rubbish of every description; and when our 
species was plentiful, it must have kept the housewife on the alert 
for her frills and furbelows hung out to dry on the village hedge, 
fully justifying Shakspeare’s line :— 
“When the Kite builds look to lesser linen.”’ 
Tnhabits Europe generally, Asia Minor, and North Africa. 
