134 British Birds, with their Nests and Eggs. 



too, at those closelv compacted feathers which guard the lores as if with a coat 

 of mail, and ask the reason for them ; the}' are Nature's protection for the bird 

 against the stings of the wasps and bees which form its favoiirite food ; its harm- 

 less character thus becomes apparent. 



There are two arrivals of the Hone}-- Buzzard in this countr}' during the 

 year ; the first of old birds, late in the spring, coming from the south and seeking 

 a nesting station, too general!}- doomed to slaughter; the second, chiefly on the 

 eastern coast, of }oung birds in the autumn, crossing over from the Continent, in 

 their uniform chocolate plumage. The Honey-Buzzard has been known to nest 

 in many of the southern counties of England ; also in Northumberland, and in 

 Scotland, as far north as in i\berdeenshire, while it has occurred in the autumn 

 in Sutherlandshire. At Bumham Beeches, and in the New Forest, several pairs 

 once nested annually. It is rare in the extreme western counties, but is believed 

 to have nested in Cornwall. In Somerset it has frequently occurred on the 

 beautiful Quantock Hills, where the writer has seen it on wing. It probably is 

 still a rare and local visitor every year to this country, it is to be hoped to quiet 

 places where it may be accorded protection. It appeal's to be very rare in Ireland. 



The Honey-Buzzard is a summer visitor to most of the countries of Eui'ope, 

 and is one of the latest to arrive, going so far north as Sweden and Norway. In 

 winter it is common in Egypt, and in West Africa, and goes far south into that 

 great continent. It has been observed crossing the Straits of Gibraltar at the 

 periods of migration in large flocks, and Gatke has noted it passing over the tiny 

 island of Heligoland, in September, in continuous companies of thirty or more, all 

 heading to the west. 



The Honey-Buzzard is said to run rapidly on the ground while searching for 

 its food, this it is able to do as its talons are short and feeble in comparison with 

 those of other raptores. Besides wasps and bees, with their grubs and honey, it 

 also preys on moles, rats, mice, earth worms, dragon flies, young rabbits, birds' 

 eggs, young birds, snakes, lizards, and occasionally upon grain, berries, and fruit. 

 Its flight is heavy, but it sometimes soars in circles in the air, uttering a shrill 

 QX^, kee-kee-kee ; in general it is a silent bird. Lord Lilford states that some 

 young Honey-Buzzards in his aviaries prospered on an exclusive diet of bread 

 and milk, preferring it even to a wasp- comb full of grubs ; he had previously 

 failed to keep others alive during the winter on the ordinary food of raptores. 

 Young Honey-Buzzards become very tame in captivit}-. 



The Honey-Buzzard nests late in May or in June in some lofty tree ; 

 according to Seebohm's experience in Pomerania, the old nest of a Common 

 Buzzard is usually selected, and relined with a profusion of fresh green leaves. 



