PLATE XLVIL 



white, inclining to red at o*ie end, blending itfelf with the white 

 by fmall markings. 



As a bird of prey, the Kite is known to be very deftructive among 

 poultry; it devours alfo fmall birds and animals, and Mr. Latham 

 fays it will fometimes eat fifh, as it has been found feeding on the 

 remains of one by the fide of a pond, after having probably beaten 

 off its firft pofleflbr. 



The forked tail of the Kite diftinguifhes it from every other bird, 

 and ferves to direct its flight with the greateft precifion. It fome- 

 times appears fufpended, and quite motionlefs at a confiderable 

 height, then glides with aftonifhing velocity through the Iky, without 

 the fmalleft apparent action of its wings. When it defcends on 

 fmall birds, it generally carries them off in its talons, to devour 

 them. 



The length of this bird twenty-fix inches : breadth five feet. 

 They differ very frequently in their colours. Mr. Pennant mentions 

 a beautiful variety entirely of a tawny colour that was (hot in Lin-» 

 eolnfhire. 



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