EAGLES AND EAGLE-LIKE BIRDS. 151 



Wales ; central aud western Scotland ; practically 

 extinct in Ireland. Everywhere rare, but less so 

 and more generally diffused at times of migration. 



With the large, heavy build of tlie Buzzard, the 

 dash and agility of the Falcons have vanished. A 

 full-bodied, broad-tailed bird, it perches lethargically 

 for prolonged periods on some dead branch or on a 

 mound ; and even when active, as when it soars high 

 in air, it recalls by its 'slow, majestic circlings the 

 staider waj's of the larger birds of prej^ such as 

 Eagles, Vultures, and Kites. The Buzzard is a bird 

 of forest-clad and mountainous countr}", and is still to 

 be found as a breeding species in the Lake District, 

 and in parts of Wales and Scotland, the nest being 

 placed in a tree or on a rock}^ ledge. It preys upon 

 mice, reptiles, and, more rarely, small birds, whicli it 

 captures bj- dropping upon them either from a perch 

 or as it beats over the ground. Birds of tliis species — 

 generallj' 3'oung ones — are to be met in many parts 

 of the country during migration. The cry. usuallj' 

 emitted as tlie bird circles liigh in air, is a melancholy 

 mewino; note. 



COMMON or RED KITE.— Plate 69. Length, 

 25 inches. General colour above brown, with ruddier 

 edges to the feathers : darker on lower back, but 

 tail rudd}', long, and deeply forked ; flight-feathers 

 blackish ; head and neck whitish, with dark streaks ; 

 under parts red-brown, streaked longitudinally with 

 darker brown ; bill dark and hooked ; feet yellow. 

 Resident. 



