190 



DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY. 



The lesser kestrel {F. cenchris) is an inhabitant of Southern and South- 

 Eastern Europe, migrating in winter to South Africa ; and while scarcely smaller 

 than the common species, has shorter wings. In the adult male the head 

 hinder neck, rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail are bluish grey ; the latter having 

 a broad subterminal dark band and a white tip; while the whole of the back 

 is cinnamon-rufous, without any black spots. The throat is yellowish white, and 



LESSER KESTREL (§ nat. size) 



most of the other under-parts are cinnamon -coloured with small black spots, 

 becoming larger on the sides of the body, but disappearing on the thighs, which are 

 uniform pale rufous. Although the cere and limbs resemble those of the common 

 species in colour, the claws are generally white. The female is very similar to 

 the hen of the common species, although lighter in colour, and with white claws. 

 Spain, Malta, Southern Italy, and especially Greece, are some of the countries 

 where the lesser kestrel is most common ; but it also ranges into Syria, Turkey, 

 Asia Minor, and Persia, and has been obtained from the steppes of Western Siberia. 

 It may be seen on the Acropolis of Athens, the churches of Madrid, and the 



