CH. VIII. BIRDS. 121 



keepers destroy it, the Kestrel, preying principally 

 on mice, does far more good than harm. 



9. The Sparrow-hawk usually frequents the 

 more woody parts of the county. Bold and 

 courageous, it strikes and bears away a common 

 pigeon with apparent ease. 



10. The Kite being a large, greedy bird, and 

 easily caught in traps, is very rare now — common 

 as it was a few years ago. In the wooded districts 

 it is still, though but seldom, seen soaring with 

 graceful flight high in the air. By repute the 

 Kite is a great chicken stealer, and when she has 

 young of her own to provide for, no bird destroys 

 more grouse, young hares, etc. 



11. The Common Buzzard a few years ago was 

 very common, but now has been completely exter- 

 minated, excepting in the wilder districts. With its 

 fine soaring flight the buzzard is a most interesting 

 bird. In all its habits it appears to me to resemble 

 the eagle more than any other kind of hawk. 



12. The Hen Harrier is plentiful enough in the 

 hilly districts, and, though very destructive to game, 

 it compensates for this in some degree by occa- 

 sionally preying upon rats, vipers, etc. The cock 

 is distinguished from afar by his nearly white 

 plumage ; while the hen in her plain dress of brown 

 is best known by the white ring on her tail, unde 



