XXVII. 

 FALCO TINNUNCULUS. (linn.) 



Kestril. 



Few opportunities occur oif observing the habits of this 

 tribe of birds during the time of their nidification, from their 

 shy and retired dispositions, and from the places of their re- 

 sort being usually remote and inaccessible. The Kestril is, 

 however, one of our commonest species, and is, in conse- 

 quence, much more frequently met with than any of the 

 others ; it builds in rocks and precipices, making a slight 

 nest of sticks, sometimes lined with dry grass and wool ; it 

 is placed upon a ledge or in the crevice of the rock ; it breeds, 

 likewise, in old ruins, either on the top or in some hole left 

 by the falling of the stones. Mr. Selby has known it under 

 the failure of more favourable situations, to breed in the de- 

 serted nest of a Crow or Magpie. Its usual time of incu- 

 bation is towards the end of April or beginning of May. It 

 lays four or five beautiful eggs, differing considerably in the 

 intensity of their rich colouring. Fig. 1 is the most com- 

 mon ; Fig. 2, a variety very much resembling the eggs of the 

 Hobby, which I have seen, and also some of those of the 

 Merlin. 



