23 



THE KESTRIL. 



back and the lesser wing coverts are of a red brick colour 

 spotted with black; the belly is reddish, and streaked with 

 black ; the feathers of the tail dark brown spotted with white, 

 ending in a broad black border. 



The back and wings of the female are of a rust red crossed 

 with many black lines ; the head is of a light reddish brown 

 streaked with black ; the tail of the same colour, and termi- 

 nated, like that of the male, with a broad black border ; the 

 extremity, however, of each is pale *. 



HABITATION. In its wild state the kestril falcon may be found 

 throughout Europe, preferring mountainous places, where there are walls 

 of rocks or ruined castles. It is a bird of passage, which departs in 

 October with the larks, and may then be seen hovering over them, or 

 pouncing at mice ; it returns in the following March. 



In the house, if taken when old, it must be kept in a wire cage ; but 

 if caught and trained when young it may be left quite at liberty, provided 

 its wings are kept clipped ; in that case it will neither quit the house nor 

 lodging assigned it, especially when become familiar with the dogs and cats. 



FOOD. In its wild state it preys on small birds and mice, pursues 



* There are varieties in this species : that with the head grey is rare, but when 

 quite white is still more so. TRANSLATOR. 



