52 



KITE. 



PUTTOCK. FORK-TAILED KITE. GLEAD. 

 BAKEND, OF THE ANCIEXT BRITISH. 



Milvus regalis, BRISSON. 



Falco milvus, LINN.*: us. 



Milvus Ictinus, SAVIGXY. 



" vulgaris, FLEMING. 



Milvus A Kite. Regalis Royal regal. 



THE Latin and English names of this species are, to say the 

 least, inconsistent with each other, the word 'Kite' being equiv- 

 alent in our language to the word craven or coward, and the 

 term 'Royal' being inseparable from the idea of spirit and 

 bravery. Buffon however asserts that the name 'Royal' has 

 been given to it, not from any supposed royalty in itself, but 

 because in former times it was considered royal game. 



The Kite is common throughout Europe, being found even 

 in very northern latitudes. It inhabits Italy, France, Switzer- 

 land, and Germany; is very uncommon in Denmark, Sweden, 

 Norway, Russia, and Siberia; and is met with, though rarely, 

 in Holland. It is also found in various parts of the north of 

 Africa, and over the greatest part of Asia. Clusius relates that 

 these birds were formerly very abundant in the streets of London, 

 and very tame; it being forbidden to kill them on account of 

 the use they were of, in acting the part of scavengers. 



The Kite is described by authors as being local in this 

 country, and strange indeed would it be if it were not. 

 Where is a bird of its size, and of its handsome appearance, 

 and which is moreover so easily caught in traps, and so 

 destructive of game, to remain incognito, or in safety in these 

 days? The marvel is that a single specimen survives, 'sola 



