FALCONRY. 27 



are from three to five in number, are sometimes nearly 

 white, at others more varied with markings of brown. 



THE COMMON BUZZARD. Buteo vulgaris. This species 

 is more numerous in Scotland than in England, in which 

 latter country it is chiefly to be found in the more exten- 

 sive woods. The nest is built in trees, or on rocks, accord- 

 ing to the character of the country which the bird inhabits, 

 and is composed of sticks, lined with wool, fur, or other 

 soft materials. The eggs are three or four in number, of a 

 rounded form, and varying in appearance, some being of a 

 spotless white, while others are enriched with markings of 

 pale purple-grey and brown. 



THE HONEY BUZZARD. Pernis apworus. This is con- 

 sidered one of the rarest of the British Falcons, and is little 

 known in Ireland or the north of Scotland. It feeds much 

 on bees, wasps, and their larvae. This species builds in 

 trees, and commences its nest in May ; the eggs, which are 

 two or three in number, are most richly coloured, being of 

 a reddish-brown, deepened over much of the surface to the 

 intensest degree. The nest is of sticks or twigs, lined with 

 leaves, wool, etc., and to our knowledge has been discovered 

 more than once during the last two years in Hampshire. 



THE KITE. Milvus regalis. This very graceful bird is 



