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KESTRIL. 



PALCO 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 Europe 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 dispersed 

 in various countries, in which it is also a permanent 



