202 



BRITISH BIRDS 



the species last described. Small birds, mammals, reptiles, and 

 insects form its prey. It breeds, or formerly bred, in suitable locali- 

 ties in most English counties from the south coast northwards to 

 Norfolk, making its slight nest on the ground, among the furze- 

 bushes or heather. The eggs resemble those of the hen harrier in 

 colouring, but are smaller in size. 



Buzzard. 



Buteo vulgaris. 



FIG. 68. BUZZARD. 



natural size. 



Upper parts, neck, and head dark brown mottled with brown 

 of a darker shade ; tail marked with twelve transverse bands ; 

 beak lead-coloured ; cere, irides, and feet 'yellow. Length : male, 

 twenty inches ; female, twenty-two inches. 



It is impossible for anyone who loves wild bird life to write about 

 the buzzard without a feeling of profound melancholy. For this hawk, 



