HONEY BUZZARD 



PLATE IX. 

 Pcrnis apivorus, . . . . . . PENNANT. 



THE Honey Buzzard, which is a rare summer visitor, 

 occasionally breeding in this country, begins its nest in 

 May, and the young are hatched, according to White of 

 Selborne, at the end of June. 



The same author describes the nest of this species as flat 

 in shape and built in trees, in the angle formed by the lower 

 branches and the trunk. It is composed of sticks, larger and 

 smaller, and is lined with leaves or wool, or probably any soft 

 materials that the birds can procure. The bird frequently 

 appropriates to itself the old nest of a Kite or other species, 

 re-lining it with fresh green leaves, those of the beech or pine 

 being generally preferred. Mr. Newcome, as quoted by Prof. 

 Newton, says "that in France the Honey Buzzard when it 

 has young surrounds the nest with a bower of leafy boughs 

 whether to serve as a screen or a barrier he does not 

 know, and while the bird is so persecuted we in England 

 shall not easily ascertain. The young remain long in the 

 nest, and the boughs as they wither are frequently renewed." 



The eggs are two or three in number, and of a general 

 dull rusty or orange red colour, much blotted with still deeper 



shades of the same, somewhat like those of the Kestrel in 

 VOL. i. I7 c 



