118 



NOTES ON PARTICULAR SPECIES OF 

 BIRDS. 



KESTREL.* 



April 22, 1823. THIS morning we found a kes- 

 trel's nest in one of the highest branches of a tall 

 vspruce-fir, containing five eggs, all of equal size, and 

 coloured alike f : four is the more usual number. 



April 27, 1831. Another nest of the kestrel was 

 found to-day, with one egg in it. The old bird was 

 shot as it flew off, and proved to be the male. 



This species of hawk feeds much on insects occa- 

 sionally, as appears by their casts and faeces, which 

 often consist entirely of the remains of beetles. J 



* FalcO tinnunculus, Linn. 



+ Mr. Yarrell observes that, when there are five eggs, " the 

 fifth has been known to weigh several grains less than any of 

 those previously deposited, and it has also less colouring matter 

 spread over the shell than the others ; both effects probably occa- 

 sioned by the temporary constitutional exhaustion the bird has 

 sustained in her previous efforts." 



J This fact has been noticed by others. See Ann. and Mag. of 

 Nat. Hist., vol. xiii. p. 93. 



