82 
mage, that we have felt it necessary to illus- 
trate this point by a distinct plate. 
This bird builds its nest in the hollows of 
trees, in the holes of rocks, towers, and ru- 
ined buildings. The nest is made of sticks, 
and lined with wool and other soft materials. 
Sometimes it contents itself with the deserted 
nest of the crow or magpie. 
The number of eggs are four or five, of a 
dirty white, blotched over with rust-colour 
of various shades ; sometimes wholly covered 
with a deep rusty red ; and are in size rather 
less than those of the Sparrow-hawk. 
The young males resemble the female in 
plumage till after the winter of the first 
year, when they assume the grey head and 
tail 
The Kestril is a very common inhabitant 
of this country, and in clear weather is fre- 
quently observed in the state so well de- 
scribed by Mr. Pennant, viz. " fixed as it 
were in one place, and fanning the air with 
its wings." At such times it is intent on its 
prey below, which frequently consists of 
field mice, and even rats, frogs, &c. It also 
preys on the whole tribe of small birds that 
