THE EAGLE-LIKE SUBFAMILY 



1963 



mary quills. This kite is distributed over the whole of Africa and Madagascar, from 

 whence it migrates into Southern and Western Europe, while it occasionally reaches 

 Scandinavia, and has been taken in England. Mr. H. Saunders observes that this 

 kite appears on the Swiss lakes and rivers about the middle of April, and leaves 

 early in the autumn. Frequently it may be seen fishing in the L,ake of Geneva, 

 and often, while one of a pair is engaged in this occupation, its fellow will be soar- 



S 



BLACK KITE AND RED KITE. 



(One-fifth natural size.) 



ing high in the air. I^eith- Adams writes that as the red kites were formerly wont 

 to play the part of scavengers in London, so do the black kites at the present day in 

 the filthy lanes of Cairo. "Assisted by its ally, the Egyptian kite (M. tzgyptius), 

 which may be distinguished from the other on wing by the pale color of its bill, 

 they hover over the refuse heaps, slaughterhouses, and wherever carrion and offal 

 are collected, now pouncing on their food and bearing it off in their talons, or, with 



