310 cassell's book of birds. 



are inhabited or not. The brood consists of from four to six eggs, closely resembling those of the 

 species last mentioned, but rather smaller (see Coloured Plate IV., Fig. 19). During the period 

 of incubation the parents are often so intent on their duties that they will allow themselves to be 

 captured by hand. The flight of the Kestrels is light and rapid, but far inferior to that of the True 

 Falcon ; occasionally they will soar high into the air, but usually fly at no great distance from the 

 earth ; when about to seize their prey, they hover before descending, performing the latter 

 movement with considerable celerity. Whilst perching, the plumage is allowed to droop carelessly, 

 and thus gives the bird the appearance of being larger than is actually the case. Upon the ground 

 they have the advantage over the True Falcons, as the greater length of the tarsi renders their 

 movements light and easy. 



As regards the perfection of their senses they are by no means behind their more powerful 

 kindred, though they differ from the latter considerably in disposition, being extremely lively and 

 bold. Above all things they seem to delight in tormenting birds much larger than themselves ; they 

 pursue the most formidable amongst the many tyrants of the air without the slightest fear, and per- 

 secute and annoy the Screech Owl incessantly ; they will often confront even man himself with great 

 spirit and determination, and in some countries live upon the most friendly terms with the inhabitants 

 of the houses in the thatch of which they lay their eggs. Their cry is a clear cheerful note, which 

 varies in its sound according to the feeling it is intended to express. When caged they may be 

 rendered extremely tame, so that they may be permitted to fly in and out, and will come at their 

 master's calL 



The Kestrels usually leave their sleeping-places very early in the morning, and continue to sweep 

 over the face of the country long after the shades of evening have closed in. When about to migrate 

 they assemble in large flocks, which remain associated until they return in the spring. Jerdon tells us 

 that both species are regular visitors to Southern Asia, and we ourselves have seen great swarms of 

 them in Central Africa during the months that form our cold season. Districts abounding in 

 locusts are generally preferred as winter quarters, such localities affording an inexhaustible supply of 

 food; indeed, those who have never seen an army of locusts can form no adequate idea of the immense 

 numbers in which they are often met with ; whole tracts of woodland are completely covered by 

 them, and their hosts darken the air whenever they are roused from their work of devastation. To 

 the Kestrels these swarms furnish a rich field for exertion and active enjoyment ; perched upon 

 the highest branches of the mimosa, they await the moment when the locusts take wing, and then 

 dart upon their prey; in vain the insect endeavours to free itself by biting the enemy's foot; the 

 powerful antagonist makes short work of its struggles by crushing the head ; the wings and feet are 

 then torn off, and devoured while the bird hovers in the air. We have often amused ourselves by 

 .shaking the trees or bushes, and thus rousing the locusts, in order to enjoy the pleasure of seeing 

 the dexterity displayed by the Kestrels during these onslaughts ; for, strange to say, the insects 

 appeared fully to understand their danger, and used all possible means to avoid their evidently 

 dreaded enemies. 



THE RED-FOOTED OR EVENING FALCON. 



The Red-footed or Evening Falcon (Erythropus vespertinus), one of the most beautiful mem- 

 bers of this group, inhabits Southern Europe. It is distinguished from the Kestrels by the compara- 

 tive shortness of its beak and tail, and by the great variety observable in the plumage, which differs 

 not only with the sex but according to the age of the bird. The male of this species is about twelve 

 inches long and thirty inches broad ; the tail measures about five inches. The female is one inch 

 and a half longer and two inches broader than her mate. When the male is in its full beauty the 

 middle of the belly, hose, and under tail-covers are of a bright rust red, the rest of the plumage being 



