Kite. RAPTORES. MILVUS. 75 



Its measurements are considerable, in proportion to the 

 weight of its body, as it frequently exceeds two feet two inches 

 in length, and five feet along the extended wings. 



The Kite is variously diffused throughout England, being 

 a common bird in many parts of the country, and rare in 

 others. In all the wooded districts of the eastern and mid- 

 land counties it is abundant : it is also met with in West- 

 moreland ; but is seldom seen in the northern parts of York- 

 shire, in Durham, or Northumberland. 



In Scotland, it occurs plentifully in Aberdeenshire, and is 

 found also in the immediate vicinity of Loch Katterine, and 

 of Ben Lomond ; also at Loch Awe, and in the adjoining 

 district. 



It is proverbial for the ease and gracefulness of it flight, 

 which generally consists of large and sweeping circles, per- 

 formed with a motionless wing, or at least with a slight and 

 almost imperceptible stroke of its pinions, and at very distant 

 intervals. In this manner, and directing its course by aid of 

 the tail, which acts as a rudder, and whose slightest motion 

 produces eff'ect, it frequently soars to such a height as to be- 

 come almost invisible to the human eye. 



The prey of the kite consists of young game, leverets, Food, 

 rats, mice, lizards, &c. which it takes by pouncing upon the 

 ground. It is a great depredator in farm-yards, after chick- 

 ens, young ducks, and goslings ; and is in consequence bit- 

 terly retaliated upon as a common enemy in those districts 

 where it abounds. 



It will also, under the pressure of hunger, devoiu- offal and 

 carrion, and has been known to prey upon dead fish. 



Some very curious and interesting facts in the history of 

 the Kite are mentioned by Montagu *, which shew how com- 

 pletely unguarded or insensible to danger predacious birds 

 are, when intent upon their prey, or urged by the cravings 

 of hunger. 



It breeds early in the spring, in extensive woods, generally 



* See Supplement to Ornith. Diet, article Kite. 



