BLACK KITE. 85 
gloss, and have the shell somewhat coarse in texture. They vary in length 
from 2°25 to 2°05 inch, and in breadth from 1°8 to 1°6 inch. 
The Black Kite has a considerable superficial resemblance to the Com- 
mon Kite, especially on the wing. It is a slightly smaller bird, with a 
somewhat shorter tail (the respective measurements of the latter are about 
11 in. and 15 in.), which is decidedly less forked (the difference between 
the longest and shortest feathers being over 3 inches in one case, and 
under 2 inches in the other). The readiest mode of distinction, however, is 
the colour of the tail, which in the Common Kite is chestnut, and in the 
Black Kite dark brown. There is no difference between the two species in 
the colour of the soft parts. 
NEST OF COMMON KITE- 
