306 ZOOLOGY. 
while in general characters, structure, and in mode of flight, they are essen- 
tially members of the great family of the falcons. 
The few species of this sub-family constitute the genera Ibycter, Vieill, of 
which L. aquilinus is the principal species ; Daptrius, Vieill, of which D. 
ater is the only species; and Milvago, Spix, of which there are several, such 
as MM. ochrocephala, and others; and the genus Polyborus, above alluded to. 
All the species are common in South America, but nothing is mentioned of 
their habits different from those of other birds of prey. | 
Sub-fam. 5. Milvine, or Kites. Bill rather short and weak, tip hooked 
and acute, eer margins sinuated, nostrils oval, wings long and pointed. 
Tarsi short and slender. Tail long, ample, frequently forked or graduated. 
Size moderate. ay: 
The sub-family of kites is characterized by the remarkably graceful flight of 
all the species, many of which have also considerable beauty of plumage. The 
principal genus (Milvus) contains several fine species ; one of them, the com- 
mon kite of Europe, M. regalis (pl. 104, fig. T), is one of the most familiarly 
known birds of its family inhabiting that continent. Other nearly allied 
species are found in Asia and Africa, none in America. 
The honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) of the South of Europe belongs here. 
It is a handsome species, and although as large as the winter falcon, feeds 
upon bees and other insects, the nests of which it is said to attack and destroy 
for the sake of the young. It preys also upon reptiles. 
There are two North American genera, Nauclerus and Ictinia, which 
belong to this sub-family, each composed of a single species. The Nauw- 
clerus furcatus, or swallow-tailed hawk of the Southern States, is the most 
beautiful species. Its long and deeply-forked tail, white head, and glossy 
black body, added to its swift and graceful flight, make it conspicuous 
wherever it occurs. Abundant in the South, it occasionally strays as far 
north as Pennsylvania, and upon the Mississippi it has been seen as far 
north as the Falls of St. Anthony. It feeds almost exclusively upon reptiles 
and insects; and it is said that numerous individuals may often be seen 
upon the edge of the fires which sometimes occur upon the western 
prairies in the United States, darting like swallows amongst the smoke in 
pursuit of retreating grasshoppers and other insects. The swallow-tailed 
hawk is abundant in Florida during the winter season, but appears to 
breed further northwards. It has the remarkable habit of feeding upon the 
wing, holding its recently acquired plunder in its claws somewhat like a 
parrot. 
The Ictinia plumbea, or Mississippi kite, is another common Southern 
species. It feeds chiefly upon insects, with an occasional relish of reptiles 
or small birds. 
Species of two other genera, Hlanus and Rostramus, have been found in 
the extreme south of the United States. The Elanus leucurus, or white- 
tailed hawk, and the Rostramus hamatus, or little hookbilled kite, have been 
observed in Florida. Of either of these species little is known, though both 
appear to be common in South America. The latter is remarkable for its very 
slender and hooked bill. 
510 
