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Birds. 



THE KESTKEL, (Falco tinnunculus,) 



Is the commonest of all the British Hawks, and may be 

 seen in almost all parts of the country hovering over 

 the fields in search of mice and other small animals. 

 His flight is very peculiar. He advances only for a 

 short distance at a time, and then suspends himself in 

 the air by very short but quick movements of his wings. 

 If no prey make its appearance beneath him, he then 

 goes on a little further, and again remains stationary, 

 but the moment a mouse or other small quadruped stirs 

 amongst the grass, his wings close, and he descends with 

 the greatest velocity. The Kestrel will also feed upon 

 small birds and insects. 



The Kestrel is a handsome little Hawk, from twelve 

 to fifteen inches in length, with a blue beak and yellow 

 cere and feet. Its plumage is reddish brown or fawn 

 colour, elegantly marked with black spots and bars. Its 

 nest is built among rocks, or in the holes and corners of 



