FALCONIDA. 3558 
THE KESTREL. 
FaLco TINNUNCULUS, Linnzeus. 
The Kestrel—also familiarly known as the Wind-hover, from its 
habit of hanging almost motionless in air against the wind—is the 
most abundant of the British birds of prey ; and would be still more 
numerous than it is, but for its persecution by persons who ought 
to be aware that it feeds principally upon rodents, and is, therefore, 
one of the best friends of the agriculturist. It is generally dis- 
tributed throughout the United Kingdom ; but in Scotland, where its 
harmlessness and utility are now recognized by the more intelligent 
gamekeepers, it migrates, as a rule, from the northern districts in 
winter ; at which season its numbers in England are further increased 
by visitors from the Continent, chiefly on passage. 
To the Feroes the Kestrel is only a wanderer, and it has not 
