SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. 61 



greenish blue. The claws, which are much curved, the outer 

 one being very small, are dull orange, or flesh-colour. 



There is little if any difference in colour between the male 

 and female. The young are at first covered with yellowish 

 down; afterwards they assume the distinct divisions of colour 

 of their parents, but do not acquire the metallic lustre until 

 arrived at maturity. The outside feathers of the tail do not 

 reach their full length until autumn, so that it is gradually 

 becoming more and more forked until then. In the following 

 spring the whole plumage is complete. 



