48 BRITISH BIRDS. 
winter to swell the large flocks of Hawks that annually cross the Mediter- 
ranean on passage. The reason for this migration has not far to be 
sought. Certaimly in England the Kestrel’s food is composed almost 
exclusively of mice and moles and beetles, creatures that are rarely found 
abroad in the depth of winter. The absence of this food renders migra- 
tion imperative, and sends the Kestrel to a southern clime, where its 
winter fare is largely composed of locusts. Birds do not constitute the 
Kestrel’s regular food. A walk through its haunts will convince the 
observer of this beyond all doubt. You never see the smaller birds in 
terror at his approach; he is no enemy of theirs, and mingles freely 
with them, almost unheeded. Observe what consternation the Sparrow- 
Hawk brings to these little choristers when he is abroad; but how dif- 
ferent when the Kestrel passes overhead! The Chaffinch, imstead of utter- 
ing cries of alarm, still continues his merry notes; and the Larks and 
Pipits stay not in their song. See how differently the Kestrel’s presence 
in the farmyard is regarded. No anxious brooding hen utters her cluck of 
alarm to her scattered family; and the Sparrows continue their meal on 
the ricks, while in the air the graceful Swallow vies with him in airy flight, 
unconcerned and trustful, for experience tells him there is no danger. 
Mice form the chief part of the Kestrel’s food; but occasionally small 
birds are taken, although, as before stated, only very rarely and when 
its usual fare is wanting. Frogs, moles, caterpillars, lizards, and earth- 
worms, too, are eaten ; but the latter seem rather exceptional food ; for 
the Kestrel is rarely seen on the ground, and there more rarely still in 
motion; for its sharp claws would inevitably be broken or blunted, and 
thus prevent it from firmly clutching its usual prey. All Falcons walk 
but little on the ground, as an examination of their beautifully sharpened 
claws proves beyond all doubt. A favourite prey of the Kestrel is 
cockchafers ; and it may ofttimes in the evening’s dusk be seen hawking 
for them, taking them in its claws just as it would take a mouse or frog. 
Various other insects are taken, such as grasshoppers and locusts. It 
usually eats its insect captures whilst flying through the air. From its 
extreme partiality for mice the Kestrel is one of the best friends of the 
farmer; and the great value of its services in destroying these pests ought 
to place it in far greater favour than it now enjoys. 
It is not before the early spring (March) that the Kestrel is seen in any 
numbers in this country, when it returns northwards to rear its young. 
Even then, if the weather be at all severe, especially if the ground be 
covered with snow, they retire southwards again, to return as soon as the 
frost disappears. The Kestrel’s pairing-season is in April, although the 
eggs are seldom laid before early May. [ew things are more interesting 
than to wander through the Kestrel’s haunt at this season and observe its 
graceful motions high in air, Around you in the underwood birds are 
