Flight. 
Food. 
Nest, &c. 
16 RAPACES. FALCO. KITEs. 
moreland ; but is seldom seen in the northern parts of York- 
shire, in Durham, or Northumberland. 
In Scotland, it occurs plentifully in Aberdeenshire, and is 
found also in the immediate vicinity of Loch Katterine, and 
of Ben Lomond. 
It is proverbial for the ease and gracefulness of its flight, 
which generally consists of large and sweeping circles, per- 
formed with a motionless wing, or, at least with a slight and 
almost imperceptible stroke of its pinions, and at very distant 
intervals. In this manner, and directing its course by aid of 
the tail, which acts as a rudder, and whose slightest motion 
produces effect, it frequently soars to such a height as to be- 
come almost invisible to the human eye. 
The prey of the kite consists of young game, leverets, rats, 
mice, lizards, &c. which it takes by pouncing upon the ground. 
It is a great depredator in farm-yards, after chickens, young 
ducks, and goslings; and is in consequence bitterly retaliated 
upon as a common enemy in those districts where it abounds. 
It will also, under the pressure of hunger, devour offal and 
carrion, and has been known to prey upon dead fish. 
Some very curious and interesting facts in the history of 
the Kite are mentioned by Monracu *, which shew how com- 
pletely unguarded or insensible to danger predacious birds 
are, when intent upon their prey, or urged by the cravings 
of hunger. - 
It breeds early in the spring, in extensive woods, generally 
making its nest in the fork of a large tree. ‘The nest is com- 
posed of sticks, lined with wool, hair, and other soft mate- 
rials. 
The eggs are rather larger than those of a hen, and rarely 
exceed three in number. They are of a greyish-white, 
speckled with brownish-orange, principally at the larger end; 
but sometimes they are found quite plain. 
According to TEMMINCK, it is met with in the different 
departments of France; throughout Italy, Switzerland, and 
* See Supplement to Ornith. Dict. article Kite. 
Pp 
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