100 FALCON. 



markings; sometimes plain, without markings. Colonel Montagu 

 observes, that each weighs nearly two ounces. 



On the continent, it inhabits the northern part of Europe, as 

 high as Jarlsberg, in the very south of Norway, but does not extend 

 farther. It can scarcely be said to migrate, yet certainly does shift 

 its quarters occasionally ; it is no where more common than in Egypt, 

 as well as other parts of Africa — and I learn from Mr. White, that 

 it is not uncommon at Gibraltar, resting there in its passage to 

 and from Spain and Barbary — hence has there obtained the name of 

 the Barbary Kite. Tlie times of appearance are in March and April, 

 and again in Autumn, though in fewer numbers ; these are accom- 

 panied by hawks of some other kinds. Said to be most frequent in 

 the temperate and well inhabited parts of Russia ; scarcer in Siberia, 

 but not far to the north : not uncommon about the Lake Baikal, but 

 none beyond the Lena. Frequents sheep downs in the breeding- 

 season, when skirted with wood, but in Avinter near towns, watered 

 by rivers, where it has been observed to sweep off, dexterously, offal 

 tloating on the surface ; will lay as far as four eggs, some of a pure 

 white, others much speckled ; drives away the young, as soon as they 

 are able to shift for themselves. 



It has been observed, that a female Kite will weigh 2 lbs. 10 oz. 

 the egg 2 J ounces, so that 17 eggs would but just exceed the weight 

 of the bird ; but the raven is so disproportionate, as to require 48 to 

 answer the same pvirpose. 



The Kite is also foimd in great numbers in India, living there 

 all the year, and with the Hooded Crow, feeding in the very streets ; 

 but in Bengal the Kites retire to the mountains, and return in the 

 dry season.* 



Kites have been observed to destroy great numbers of moles, 

 which frequently come to the surface of pasture lands, in search after 

 caterpillars, and insects of all kinds, and an instance is on record, 



* View of Hindoostan, 2. p. 90. 



