57S 



ON SOME SPECIES OF THE 



and it is interesting from another circumstance. 

 It affords, as it were, the connecting link between 

 the two other varieties^ and presents itself in a 

 state of plumage intermediate between the Falco 

 alhidiis and Honey Buzzard, furnishing an addi- 

 tional proof, if such were waiting, that these 

 birds are specifically the same. 



Although the Falco variegaUiSy or Speckled 

 Buzzard, in its plumage resembles more nearly 

 the Honey Buzzard or female, than the Whitish 

 Buzzard or male, I should be inclined to consider 

 it, on account of its inferior size, as an immature 

 bird of the male sex ; it being well known, that 

 in such species as differ essentially in the plumage 

 of the sexes, the young males are at first not to 

 be distinguished from the females, and for many 

 months bear a striking resemblance to them. It 

 may therefore be considered as a young male about 

 to attain the plumage of maturity, at least, such 

 as distinguishes that state in some continental 

 countries. 



I shall next describe briefly, and in as charac- 

 teristic a manner as possible, the three varieties 

 which I am of opinion should be referred to the 

 • Falco apivorus or Honey Buzzard. 



The first is that described as a distinct species, 

 tinder the name of Falco albidus. This is of the 

 male sex. T^ht legs are yellow j body white with 



