SWALLOW-TAILED KITE 



PLATE XL FIGURE I. 



Elanus furcatus, . . . . . . FLEMING. 



Milvus furcatus, JENYNS. 



Elanoides furcates^ VIEILLOT. 



Falco furcatus, ...... WILSON. 



THIS exceedingly elegant species can only be regarded 

 as an accidental visitor to Great Britain. In Texas, 

 according to Dresser, it nests in June, breeding in society. 



The nest, which, according to Audubon, is composed of 

 sticks, and is lined with grass and feathers, and probably 

 any such materials as may be met with at the time when 

 they are required, is usually built on the top of a tall tree ; 

 and the vicinity of water is preferred, probably on account 

 of the insects to be found there, which form the principal 

 part of the food of this bird. 



The eggs, which are usually two, but it is said some- 

 times from four to six in number, are described as being 

 of a greenish white colour, irregularly blotted with dark 

 brown at the larger end. 



