21 
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. 
PLATE XI. 
Elanus furcatus, : : : : FLEMING. 
Milvus furcatus, . ‘ ; ? . JENYNS. 
Nauclerus furcatus, . : F : GouLp. 
Falco furcatus, . : : : =o WiTESON: 
THE pairing time of this exceedingly elegant species 
is in the beginning of April, and the male and female 
sit alternately; each in turn feeding the other. They 
have, as other rapacious birds, only one brood in the 
year. 
The nest, which, as a matter of course, is composed 
of sticks, and is lined with grass and feathers, and 
probably any such materials as may be met with at 
the time when they are required, is usually built on 
the top of a tall tree; and the vicinity of water is 
preferred, probably on account of the insects to be 
found there, which form the principal part of the 
food of this bird. 
The eggs, which are from four to six in number, 
are described as being of a greenish white colour, 
uregularly blotted with dark brown at the larger 
end. 
