208 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
Eggs. — Two or three, buff, covered all over with reddish-brown 
markings ; some have the markings more numerous about the centre 
of the eggs. Breeding-season: August to November. 
6. Black Falcon Fcilco subnig er Gray 
sub-m-ger — L., subnig er , somewhat black. 
Distribution. — Australia generally. 
Notes. — Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open and lightly 
timbered country, chiefly of the inland districts. Its flight is remarkably 
swift and it also possesses wonderful powers of endurance while on the 
wing. It preys on several species of Quail, the movements of which are 
followed by this Falcon. Besides Quail its food consists of larger birds 
inhabiting open areas, which it procures in the same manner as the other 
Falcons. 
Nest. — A platform composed of sticks; generally a deserted nest of 
a Crow or another species of Hawk is used. 
Eggs. — Three or four, buff, closely sprinkled with spots of reddish- 
brown, and a few purplish-brown markings. Breeding-season : September 
to December. 
7. Brown Hawk Falco berigora Vigors and Horsfield 
berigora — the native name of this bird. 
Distribution. — Australia generally, and Tasmania. 
Notes . — Also called Cackling Hawk. Usually singly or in pairs, fre- 
quenting open and lightly timbered country. It is generally seen flying 
over open spaces, or perched upon telegraph posts and wires or fences. 
It feeds upon mice, beetles, caterpillars, and small birds ; it catches birds 
by pouncing upon them instead of taking them on the wing. In Western 
Australia this species is more reddish in coloration. 
Nest . — A platform composed of sticks and lined with bark; usually 
placed in a forked branch near the top of a tall tree. Sometimes a deserted 
nest of a Crow or another species of Hawk is used. 
Eggs. — Two to four, buff, generally well covered with reddish-brown 
blotches ; some have a well-defined zone at the larger end, whereas others 
have only a few dots of reddish-brown. Breeding-season: June to 
November, occasionally later. 
3. Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris Latham 
El'-an-us — Gk, elanos, kite: ax-ill-a-ris — L., axillaris, shouldered. 
Distribution. — Australia generally. 
Notes. — Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open and lightly 
timbered country in coastal areas. It appears to be migratory in habits, 
generally arriving in the south and south-eastern districts during May, 
departing about November. It is frequently seen in the neighbourhood 
of farms, either flying over paddocks and crops or else perched on fences. 
