110 HISTORY OF 



crow, and the kestril, all above four times bigger 

 than itself, and that sometimes prey upon flesh 

 in the same manner. It not only fights upon the 

 defensive, but often comes to the attack, and al- 

 ways with advantage, particularly when the male 

 and female unite to protect their young, and to 

 drive away the more powerful birds of rapine. 

 At that season they do not wait the approach of 

 their invader, it is sufficient that they see him 

 preparing for the assault at a distance. It is 

 then that they sally forth with loud cries, wound 

 him on every side, and drive him off with such 

 fury, that he seldom ventures to return to the 

 charge. In these kinds of disputes they gene- 

 rally come off with the victory, though it some- 

 times happens that they fall to the ground with 

 the bird they have so fiercely fixed upon, and 

 the combat ends with the destruction of the as- 

 sailant as well as the defender. 



For this reason, the most redoubtable birds of 

 prey respect them ; while the kite, the buzzard, 

 and the crow, seem rather to fear than seek the 

 engagement. Nothing in nature better displays 

 the respect paid to the claims of courage, than to 

 see this little bird, apparently so contemptible, 

 fly in company with the lanner, the falcon, and 

 all the tyrants of the air, without fearing their 

 power, or avoiding their resentment. 



As for small birds, they are its usual food. It 

 seizes them by the throat, and strangles them in 

 an instant. When it has thus killed the bird or 

 insect, it is asserted by the best authority, that it 

 fixes them upon some neighbouring thorn, and 



