THE 'HOVERING' OF BIRDS. 127 



the plane of his wings like an artificial kite. He can 

 accomplish the feat when the air is quite still and no wind 

 stirring. Nor is he the only bird capable of doing this, 

 although the others possess the power in a much less 

 degree. The common lark sometimes hovers for a few 

 moments low down over the young green corn, as if con- 

 sidering upon what spot to alight. The flycatcher contrives 

 to suspend itself momentarily, but it is by a rapid motion 

 of the wings, and is done when the first snap at the insect 

 has failed. It is the rook that hovers by the assistance of 

 the wind as he rises with his broad, flat wings over a hedge 

 and meets its full force, which counterpoises his onward 

 impetus and sustains him stationary, sometimes compelling 

 him to return with the current. 



Hawks have a habit of perching on the tops of bare 

 poles or dead trees, and are there frequently caught in the 

 gin the keeper sets for them. The cuckoo, which so 

 curiously resembles the hawk, has the same habit, and 

 will perch on a solitary post in the middle of a field, or 

 on those upright stones sometimes placed for the cattle to 

 rub themselves against. Though ' wild as a hawk ' is a 

 proverbial phrase, yet hawks are bold enough to enter 

 gardens, and even take their prey from the ivy which 

 grows over the gable of the house. The destruction they 

 work among the young partridges in early summer is very 

 great. The keeper is always shooting them, yet they 

 come just the same, or nearly ; for, if he exterminates 



