296 



NATURAL HISTORY OF BIRDS. 



dozen species of the single genus Milvus, of which the common or red kite, Milvus 

 ictinus, is the type. This is a bird of comparatively small body, but with wide- 

 spreading wings, and long, deeply-forked tail ; the female, which is largest, measuring 

 about twenty-seven inches in length, and having an expanse of wings of over five 

 feet. The general color is reddish brown streaked with black, the tail being rather 

 lighter red, barred with deep brown. These tail feathers are in considerable demand 

 for use in the manufacture of salmon flies. 



FIG. 138. Milvus migrans, black kite, and M. ictinus, common kite. 



This species was formerly one of the most familiar of British birds of prey, hav- 

 ing, it is said, been abundant as a scavenger in the streets of London three or four 

 hundred years ago ; but, according to Professor Newton, it is now one of the rarest, 

 being restricted to a few wooded districts, where a small remnant still exists. The 

 same authority says Wolley has well remarked of the modern Londoners that " few 

 who see the paper toys hovering over the parks in fine days of summer have any idea 

 that the bird from which they derive their name used to float all day in hot weather 

 high over the heads of their ancestors." 



