592 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
The Black Kite (AZc/vus niger) is very common in Russia, and has 
a particular penchant for fish. It is not, however, above assisting 
vultures to devour carrion, and may be seen hovering over the 
cities of Russia to pick up the fragments which are thrown into the 
streets. In autumn these Kites assemble in flocks, and, crossing the 
Black Sea, proceed to winter in Egypt, where they are so tame that 
they perch on the window-sills of the houses. In the spring they 
return to Europe. 
The Parasite Kite (AZi/vus egyptius) is thus named by Levaillant 
because its whole system of life seems to be at the expense of man, 
either by devastating his poultry-yards or robbing with extraordinary 
impudence travellers encamped in the open air. This celebrated 
naturalist relates that whenever he made a halt some of these birds 
came and perched on his wagon for the purpose of stealing. 
“‘ At Cairo,” says Dr. Petit, in the account of his travels to Abys- 
sinia, ‘I one day saw a kite snatch suddenly from the hands of an 
Arab woman a piece of bread and cheese at the very moment she 
was raising it to her mouth. At Chizé, in Abyssinia, another kite 
carried away, from under the very nose of my dog, which was guard- 
ing it, a portion of a sheep just killed. ‘The same thing took place 
several times in view of my servants.” 
The same authority adds that these birds sometimes assemble in 
innumerable flocks; he having seen thousands hovering over an 
Egyptian village. 
The Swallow-tailed Kite (4/anoides furcatus) is remarkable for its 
deeply-forked tail, which it perceptibly uses as a rudder to guide it 
in flying; in its flight it describes the most elegant curves, hence the 
name Forked-tail Pilot, which is sometimes given it. Essentially 
migratory, they may be seen in spring and autumn proceeding north 
or south. Snakes, lizards, and frogs are their usual food. 
The Mississippi Kite (etinéa mississippiensis), another American 
species. It is a remarkably handsome aad powerful bird; neverthe- 
less is said to feed only on insects. | 
The bills and claws of Kites are weak in comparison with their 
size; they therefore wisely avoid coming in collision with birds of 
prey better armed than themselves. This has been sufficient to give 
them the character of cowardice. 
Kites are easily tamed, and if taken young they will soon become 
familiar. 
Buzzards (Buzeo) have long wings, a large head, and a rather squat 
figure ; their tarsi are short, or of medium size ; and the beak curved 
from the base; in appearance they are heavy and deficient of grace. 
