BIRDS OF PREY. 



37 



tail-feathers ; the eye is of a pearly hue; the upper mandible blackish grey, the lower whitish yellow; 

 the cere, cheek-stripes, and a spot near the eyes, are greyish green ; the margin of the mouth yellow ; 

 the feet orange colour. The female is of a paler grey, with grey and black waved markings on the 

 wings ; the under part of the body is striped with white ; and below the broad white streak upon the 

 tail passes a succession of alternate black and grey lines. The back of the young bird is greyish 

 brown, each feather being edged with red ; the body underneath is light reddish yellow, transversely 

 striped with rust-red ; the primary quills are blackish brown, adorned with light streaks, and bordered 

 with white. When seen from above, the tail exhibits two yellowish grey stripes; beneath, it presents 

 lines of reddish yellow, and is tipped with the same shade. 



We learn from the Prince von Wied, and other authorities, that these birds are found throughout 

 a large portion of South America. They are most numerous on the outskirts of forests, more 

 particularly of such as are in the immediate vicinity of the settlements of the planters ; and lead for 

 the most part a solitary life. Their appearance is very beautiful, and their flight varied and rapid. 

 The stomachs of such as the Prince von Wied shot were found to contain insects and snails, but they 

 will also eat birds and small quadrupeds. In disposition this species is courageous and fierce. The 

 eyrie is built upon lofty trees, and is generally quite inaccessible. 



THE SYAMA. 



The Syama or Baza (Baza lophotcs) is the most remarkable of the many species of Kites with 

 which we are acquainted. Its length is from thirteen to fourteen inches, its breadth thirty inches ; the 

 wing measures nine, and the tail five inches. The beak of this bird is small, much curved and 

 furrowed at the sides ; the upper mandible is furnished with two sharp teeth on each side, and the 

 lower one has three or four similar appendages towards the tip. The wings are of moderate size, the 

 third quill being longer than the rest ; the tail is square, and of medium length ; the tarsi are short, 

 thick, and feathered on the upper side ; the toes short, the talons small, and very much curved. The 

 plumage is rich, and forms a crest upon the head ; the upper portions of the body and hose are of a 

 brilliant greenish black, as are also the tail and wing-covers ; the outer web of the secondary quills is a 

 beautiful nut-brown, the feathers on the shoulders, and some of those on the wing-covers, are white, 

 spotted with brown ; these form an uninterrupted white line across the entire wing. The lower parts 

 of the body are white, with five or six nut-brown bands on the sides of the belly. The quills of the 

 wings and tail are of an uniform pale blueish tint. 



Jerdon informs us that this bird is found throughout the whole of India ; it is, however, scarce in 

 the southern provinces and near Calcutta, but occurs more frequently in the region of the lower 

 •Himalayas. It subsists principally upon insects, which it procures from within the recesses of the 

 forests. The Syama is seldom seen in flight ; the crest is usually carried erect. These scanty 

 particulars comprise all the information respecting this species that has as yet been obtained. 



THE TRUE KITES. 



Such of the True Kites as can be united into one group are recognisable by their very lengthy 

 body, small head, feeble beak, large wings, and long, more or less forked tail. Two species of this 

 family are known to breed in Germany, and others are met with in different parts of Europe. 



THE BLACK KITE. 

 The Black Kite (Hydroictinia atra) inhabits the southern provinces of Germany, Russia, and 

 Central Asia, as far as Japan. This species is from twenty-one to twenty-three inches long, and from 



