50 FALCONID.B. 
24. Elanus CiERULEUs, Desfont. Black-shouldered Kite. 
Moorish. Aisha hemika (Favier) . 
" Scarce in the vicinity of Tangier, being seldom seen — 
and then in very limited numbers, in February and March 
and again during September and October. They are more 
common near Larache, where some are found breeding in 
April. They live on birds and small mammals, and are very 
voracious. Their cry is a sort of whistle." — Favier. 
On the African side of the Straits I found the Black- 
winged Kite, as it is familiarly termed, common near Tetuan 
in April, as well as about Cape Negro ; around Tangier at 
that time I only saw two. They nest on trees, and (as in 
other countries in which I have seen them) keep to slightly 
wooded places, not frequenting open ground. 
On the Spanish side this Hawk is very rare. I never 
obtained one ; but Lord Lilford records a specimen (Ibis, 
1865, p. 177) as occurring near Seville. Easily recognized on 
the wing by its greyish-white colour. It has a peculiar habit 
of hovering at about thirty yards from the ground, with the 
wings forming a sort of V or acute angle with the body, never 
bringing them level with one another until it flies ofi' to take 
up a fresh position. They are rather wary when thus engaged 
in hunting for their prey. 
The general colour of this Hawk is grey above, white 
below, with black shoulders and crimson irides. 
25. Falco communis, Gm. Peregrine Falcon. 
Moorish. Teir el hor. Spanish. Alcon. 
" Is not uncommon near Tangier, where some remain to 
breed; the remainder are migratory, going to Europe in 
February and March, returning in November and December. 
They nest from March to May on rocks and on trees, laying 
four eggs, eleven of which have passed through my hands for 
sale." — Favier. 
The Peregrine Falcon is most abundant in Andalucia in 
winter; but some few are resident — a pair nesting at Gibraltar 
near O^Hara's Tower, and occasionally coming into the town 
to carry off" tame pigeons. I think this pair belongs to the 
