The Honey-Bu22ard. 



'33 



Family— FALCONJD/E. 



Genus— PER NIS. 



The Honey-Buzzards. 



THREE species are known of the Genus Pernis, of which one only is met 

 with in the Western Palsearctic Region. They are chiefly insectivorous, 

 feeding largely on wasps and bees, and their grubs, scratching out the nests ; the}- 

 also devoi:r reptiles, birds' eggs, and young birds. Their flight is heavy, and they 

 are spiritless birds. They nest in trees, and invariably line their nests with green 

 leaves. Their beaks and talons are feeble, compared with those of the other 

 raptores ; their lores are covered with close, scale-like feathers. 



Family— FAL CONID^. 



HoNEY-BuZZARD. 



Pernis apivoncs, LiNN. 



THIS singular bird would probably be a regular summer visitor to most of 

 our large woodlands, especially to those where the beech, its favourite tree, 

 is common, if only it could escape molestation ; but, alas ! its fate is sealed directlv 

 it appears, for not only is it a large Hawk, and therefore to be destro3^ed for the 

 sake of the game, but it is also precious in the eyes of " collectors," and its 

 beautiful eggs, if they are " British," will command a high price. But look at 

 it, and note its comparatively feeble legs and talons, its weak and slender beak ; 

 they are not powerful enough to make it formidable to the game-preserver ; look, 



Vol. Ill Y 



