M2, FALCONID A. 
Tue Krre is readily distinguished among the British 
Falconide, even when at a distance on the wing, by its 
long and forked tail. The flight of this large bird is sin- 
gularly graceful and easy, gliding smoothly along with 
little muscular exertion. It still retains in some districts 
the name of Gled, or Glead,—derived, according to Pen- 
nant, from the saxon glida. Occasionally it sails in circles, 
with its rudder-like tail by its inclination governing the 
curve ; then stops, and remains stationary for a time, the 
tail expanded widely, and with its long wings sustaining 
its light body, apparently from the extent of surface the 
bird is able to cover. In its mode of taking its prey the 
Kite is distinguished from Falcons and Hawks generally, 
by pouncing upon it upon the ground. The nature of the 
food also makes this habit evident; twenty-two moles 
were found in the nest of a Kite, besides frogs and unfledg- 
ed birds: it preys also on leverets, rabbits, snakes, and 
particularly on the young of various Gallinaceous birds. 
The Kite, like the Sparrow-Hawk, frequently visits the 
poultry-yard, but is not remarkable for its courage: Hens 
have been known by their vociferations and their show of 
resistance to protect their Chickens from the threatened 
attack, and even to drive away the unwelcome intruder. 
A writer in the Magazine of Natural History relates 
that he had almost daily opportunities of witnessing the 
powers of the Kite in taking fish from a broad river near 
which he resided ; and though distance prevented him from 
distinguishing the particular sort of fish, the birds were 
eminently successful, occasionally alighting on the banks 
to eat their captures, at other times bearmg them off to 
the woods. 
In Hertfordshire and Essex the Kite is called the Put- 
tock, and the Crotchet-tailed Puddock. Merrett, in his 
