BLACK KITE. 



85 



gloss, and have the shell somewhat coarse in texture. They vary in length 

 from 2'25 to 2'05 inch, and in breadth from T8 to 1*6 inch. 



The Black Kite has a considerable superficial resemblance to the Com- 

 mon Kite, especially on the wing. It is a slightly smaller bird, with a 

 somewhat shorter tail (the respective measurements of the latter are about 

 11 in. and 15 in.), which is decidedly less forked (the difference between 

 the longest and shortest feathers being over 3 inches in one case, and 

 under 2 inches in the other) . The readiest mode of distinction, however, is 

 the colour of the tail, which in the Common Kite is chestnut, and in the 

 Black Kite dark brown. There is no difference between the two species in 

 the colour of the soft parts. 



XF.ST OF COMMON KITE. 



