NATURAL HISTORY. 



Sub-family d. Milvijia. 



PEHNIS. 



Apivorus (Lat. Bee-eatwg\ the Honey Buzzard. 



bees and grubs were found, but no honey or wax. It does not. 

 however, refuse small quadrupeds, or sometimes small birds, 

 if pressed by hunger. It is a bird of passage, leaving Europe 

 at the commencement of winter. Its nest is built in high 

 trees, and its eggs are two or three in number, grey, spotted 

 with red at one end, and surrounded with a red band. Its 

 length is about two feet, and the expanse of its wings fifty-two 

 inches. The third primary feather is the longest. 



The KITE, GLEDE, or GLED, is not uncommon in England, 

 and is spread over Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. It is 

 especially hated by the farmer for its depredations on his 

 poultry, and its appearance is the signal for a general outcry 

 among the terrified poultry, who perceive it long before the 

 keenest-eyed man can distinguish it from a casual spot in the 

 distant sky. The sportsman also detests it for the havoc 

 which it makes among the game, possibly the kite hates 

 the sportsman for the same reason. 



It builds in tall trees, and lays three eggs, white, spotted 

 with reddish brown at the larger end. Its length is rather 



