BRITISH BIRDS. 



6 7 



feathers of a light cream colour ; there are four or 

 five large white spots upon each wing; the quill 

 and tail feathers are marked with dusky and red- 

 dish bars : the legs are feathered down to the 

 claws, which are very sharp, the outer claw is 

 moveable, and may be turned backwards. 



This bird is common in various parts of Europe, 

 as well as in this country ; its usual haunts are in 

 old ruined buildings, in rocks, and in hollow trees. 

 Buffon observes, that it seldom constructs a nest of 

 its own, but not unfrequently occupies that of the 

 Magpie; it lays four or five \vhite eggs, rounded 

 at the ends ; the young are at first white, but 

 acquire their natural colour in about fifteen days. 



