306 ZOOLOGY. 



while in general characters, structure, and in mode of flight, they are essen- 

 tially members of the great family of the falcons. 



The few species of this sub-family constitute the genera Ihycter^ Vieill, of 

 which /. aqu'dimis is the principal species ; Daptrius, Vieill, of which D. 

 ater is the only species ; and Milvago, Spix, of which there are several, such 

 as 31. ochrocephala, and others ; and the genus Polt/borus, above alluded to. 

 All the species are conunon in South America, but nothing is mentioned of 

 their habits diflcrent from those of other birds of prey. 



Sub-fam. 5. Milvincc, or Kites. Bill rather short and Aveak, tip hooked 

 and acute, lateral margins sinuated, nostrils oval, wings long and pointed. 

 Tarsi short and slender. Tail long, ample, frequently forked or graduated. 

 Size moderate. 



The sub-family of kites is characterized by the remarkably graceful flight of 

 all the species, many of which have also considerable beauty of plumage. The 

 principal genus {Milvus) contains several fine species ; one of them, the com- 

 mon kite of Europe, M. refxalis {pi. 104, fig. 7). is one of the most familiarly 

 known birds of its family inhabiting that continent. Other nearly allied 

 species are found in Asia and Africa, none in America. 



The honey buzzard {Peniis apivnrus) of the South of Europe belongs here. 

 It is a handsome species, and although as large as the winter falcon, feeds 

 upon bees and other insects, the nests of which it is said to attack and destroy 

 for the sake of the young. It preys also upon reptiles. 



There are two North American genera, Nandcnis and Idinia, which 

 belong to this sub-family, each composed of a single species. The Nau- 

 clerths fnrcatus, or swallow-tailed hawk of the Southern States, is the most 

 beautiful species. Its long and deeply-forked tail. Avhite head, and glossy 

 black body, added to its SAvift and graceful flight, make it conspicuous 

 wherever it occurs. Abundant in the South, it occasionally strays as far 

 north as Pennsylvania, and upon the Mississippi it has been seen as far 

 north as the Falls of St. Anthony. It feeds almost exclusively upon reptiles 

 and insects ; and it is said that numerous individuals may often be seen 

 upon the edge of the fires which sometimes occur upon the western 

 prairies in the United States, darting like swallows amongst the smoke in 

 pursuit of retreating grasshoppers and other insects. The swallow-tailed 

 haAvk is abundant in Florida during the Avinter season, but appears to 

 breed further nortliAvards. It has the remarkable habit of feeding upon the 

 wing, holding its recently acquired plunder in its claAvs somewhat like a 

 parrot. 



The Tctinia pla?7ibea, or Mississippi kite, is another common Southern 

 species. It feeds chiefly upon insects, with an occasional relish of reptiles 

 or small birds. 



Species of tAvo other genera, Elcums and Roslrmnus, have been found in 

 the extreme south of the United States. The Elaniis leuctinis, or white- 

 tailed haAvk, and the Rostramiis hamatus, or little hookbilled kite, have been 

 observed in Florida. Of either of these species little is knoAvn, though both 

 appear to be common in South America. The latter is remarkable for its very 

 slender and hooked bill. 

 510 



