BIRDS OF PREY. 131 



Fig. 108 The Secretary Bird. 



serpents, each a yard in length, eleven small tortoises, 

 and a great quantity of locusts and other insects. 



223. The Hawks constitute a section of the Falcon 

 family, allied to the true Falcons, but having short legs 

 and tails. The Goshawk, Fig. 109 (p. 132), is the finest 

 bird of this tribe, distinguished alike for its large size, 

 its beautiful plumage, and its elegant shape. It conies 

 nearer to the Falcons than any other of the Hawks. 

 When it takes its prey it strikes its victim to the ground 

 by the force with which it dashes through the air. ,.Its 

 food consists of hares, squirrels, pheasants, and even some 

 quite large birds. This bird abounds all over the wood- 

 ed portions of Europe, and a similar species is found in 

 this country. 



>/ 224. The Kites, another section of the Falcon family, 

 l are particularly distinguished by their long wings and 

 forked tails. Their flight is remarkably easy and grace- 

 ful, and they have the power of remaining a long time 



