The Kestrel Hawlz. 



447 



end with, a broad black stripe ; the tips are greyish white. 

 The legs are yellow, and the claws black. The wings are 

 long, and when folded cover the greater portion of the tail. 



Kestrel Hawks differ in appearance considerably, according to 

 age. Young male birds are darker in the body colours, are 

 much more profusely marked, and are minus the bluish grey 

 head and collar, these only appearing after the second moult, 

 or when the birds are one year old. Old birds are found 

 entirely destitute of the black stripes on the head and neck, 

 are less spotted on the body, and brighter and paler in the 

 various hues of their plumage. 



Habits and BREEDiNa. — The Kestrel Windover, Stannel 

 Hawk, Stonegall, Stemgale, and Keelie, as this bird is variously 

 designated, is partly migratory in habib, and is met with in all 

 parts of Europe. It does not fly with the dash and rapidity 

 of the Sparrow Hawk, but sails away in a graceful, easy 

 manner, frequently wheeling round, and hovering over newly- 

 ploughed fields and meadows, or stubble-fields, according to 

 the time of year, and more particularly in windy weather, 

 searching for dormice and Larks, of which it is very fond. It 

 has a keen, eager, penetrating vision, and observes the slightest 

 movement of its hidden prey, which crouch out of sight as 

 soon as they espy their enemy. As soon as the Kestrel 

 observes either a suitable bird or animal, it pounces down upon 

 it with the rapidity of an arrow shot from a tightly-strung 

 bow, but with more certain and deadly aim. After securing 

 its prey, it hastens off to some convenient spot — a wood, a 

 thicket, or a high rock — to feast on its captive. When pressed 

 by hunger, the Kestrel will venture near a farmyard, and if it 

 discovers a young duckling or chicken within easy grasp 

 it will pounce upon it and carry it off in triumph. It 

 also proves troublesome at times to the professional bird- 

 catcher, as it does not hesitate to swoop down and kill their 

 decoy birds. 



The Kestrel Hawk breeds in the hollows of lofty, decayed 

 trees, in the crevices of rocks, and occasionally in a disused stone 

 quarry or chalk pit, in a sequestered place, and in proximity 

 to woodlands. At other times it will take possession of the 

 deserted nest of a Crow, Magpie, or Ring-dove. The hen lays 

 four or five eggs, of a pale reddish white colour, blotched 

 and mottled with reddish brown. The parents leave their 



