14 Bartow, Nesting Habits of White-tailed Kite. Hae 
injurious species are more frequent in the birds than the useful 
kinds.” It is gratifying to learn this, as the Starling has been 
introduced into America, and in time may possibly become numer- 
ous enough to be of economic importance. 
Mr. Gilmour makes the following happy summation of the 
status of the three birds whose food habits he has investigated. 
“Of the Pigeon it may be said that he is an unmitigated scoun- 
drel; of the Rook that he is a cunning rogue ; but of the Starling 
we can say with truth that he is our natural friend, by habit and 
by instinct.” 
SOME NOTES ON THE NESTING HABITS OF THE 
WHITE-TAILED KITE. 
BY CHESTER BARLOW. 
THE White-tailed Kite (anus leucurus) is perhaps as common 
in certain portions of California as anywhere throughout its 
breeding range, and it is resident in Santa Clara County, where 
the genia] climate and almost perennial sunshine are conducive 
to an abundant food supply. Santa Clara County lies south of 
the San Francisco Bay region, and its northern boundary is the 
lower shore of San Francisco Bay. The northern portion of the 
county consists of the ‘ lowlands,’ which support, in many places, 
a luxuriant growth of willow. Toward’ the ranges which sur- 
round the valley there are magnificent fields of live oaks and 
white oaks, which have attained in many places a grand perfection. 
Considerable of this country is given to farming, and here the 
trees have been spared. Approaching the foot-hills, and all 
through the valley from San Jose southward, especially along the 
water courses, the sycamore and white oak are most commonly 
met with, and afford the Awteo tribe many available and secure 
nesting sites. Thus it will be seen that certain portions of Santa 
Clara County are peculiarly attractive to raptorial birds as breed- 
