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KESTRIL. 
Fatco TINNuNcULUS, Lin. 
The Kestril, which is so generally distributed 
in most districts as not to be at all uncommon, 
appears to be the most numerous of our rapacious 
birds, and is not only found in this country, but in 
all parts of Kurope and America. It is especially 
remarkable for its habit of hovering over the fields 
when searching for its prey, which consists chiefly 
of the shrew and other mice, lizards, worms, 
beetles, &c., in looking for which among the grass 
it balances itself, with a quivering motion of the 
wings, at a considerable height from the ground. 
At the commencement of the breeding season it is 
remarkably vociferous in nesting. It often takes 
possession of the deserted nest of a crow or mag- 
pie, but in rocky tracts breeds on cliffs or craggy 
banks. The eggs, from four to six in number, 
are of a reddish brown colour, variegated with 
darker blotches. 
KINGFISHER, COMMON. 
ALCEDO ISPIDA, Lin. 
This beautiful bird is very generally distributed 
in various countries, in which it is also a permanent 
