59 2 REPTILES AND BIKDS. 



The Black Kite (Milvus niger) is very common in Russia, and has 

 a particular penchant for fish. It is not, however, above assisting 

 vultures to devour carrion, and may be seen hovering over the 

 cities of Russia to pick up the fragments which are thrown into the 

 streets. In autumn these Kites assemble in flocks, and, crossing the 

 Black Sea, proceed to winter in Egypt, where they are so tame that 

 they perch on the window-sills of the houses. In the spring they 

 return to Europe. 



The Parasite Kite (Milvus czgyptitis) is thus named by Levaillant 

 because its whole system of life seems to be at the expense of man, 

 either by devastating his poultry-yards or robbing with extraordinary 

 impudence travellers encamped in the open air. This celebrated 

 naturalist relates that whenever he made a halt some of these birds 

 came and perched on his wagon for the purpose of stealing. 



" At Cairo," says Dr. Petit, in the account of his travels to Abys- 

 sinia, " I one day saw a kite snatch suddenly from the hands of an 

 Arab woman a piece of bread and cheese at the very moment she 

 was raising it to her mouth. At Chize, in Abyssinia, another kite 

 carried away, from under the very nose of my dog, which was guard- 

 ing it, a portion of 'a sheep just killed. The same thing took place 

 several times in view of my servants." 



The same authority adds that these birds sometimes assemble in 

 innumerable flocks ; he having seen thousands hovering over an 

 Egyptian village. 



The Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides furcatus) is remarkable for its 

 deeply-forked tail, which it perceptibly uses as a rudder to guide it 

 in flying ; in its flight it describes the most elegant curves, hence the 

 name Forked-tail Pilot, which is sometimes given it. Essentially 

 migratory, they may be seen in spring and autumn proceeding north 

 or south. Snakes, lizards, and frogs are their usual food. 



The Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis], another American 

 species, is a remarkably handsome and powerful bird ; nevertheless 

 it is said to feed only on insects. 



The bills and claws of Kites are weak in comparison with their 

 size ; they therefore 'wisely avoid coming in collision with birds of 

 prey better armed than themselves. This has been sufficient to give 

 them the character of cowardice. 



Kites are easily tamed, and if taken young they will soon become 

 familiar. 



Buzzards (Buteo) have long wings, a large head, and a rather squat 

 figure ; their. tarsi are short, or of medium size; and the beak curved 

 from the base ; in appearance they are heavy and deficient of grace. 



