134 BRITISH BIRDS, WITH THEIR NESTS AND EGGS. 
too, at those closely compacted feathers which guard the lores as if with a coat 
of mail, and ask the reason for them; they are Nature’s protection for the bird 
against the stings of the wasps and bees which form its favourite food; its harm- 
less character thus becomes apparent. 
There are two arrivals of the Honey-Buzzard in this country during the 
year; the first of old birds, late in the spring, coming from the south and seeking 
a nesting station, too generally doomed to slaughter; the second, chiefly on the 
eastern coast, of young 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 Aberdeenshire, while it has occurred in the autumn 
in Sutherlandshire. At Burnham 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 appears to be very rare in Ireland. 
The Honey-Buzzard is a summer visitor to most of the countries of Europe, 
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 vaffores. 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 
cry, ee-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 rapfores. 
Young Honey-Buzzards become very tame in captivity. 
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, 
