PLATE XXIX 
DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY 
1. Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides Vigors and Horsfield 
Fal'-co— L., falco, falcon: cen-chroV-des-Gk, cencliris, speckled hawk; 
-oides, from Gk, eidos, form = like. 
distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; accidental to 
New Zealand. 
notes. Also called Windhover, Mosquito-hawk, and Sparrow-hawk. 
Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open and lightly timbered 
country. It is a common and useful species, being numerous in culti¬ 
vated areas, where it does valuable service in helping to keep in check 
many pests. It is generally observed skimming about or hovering over 
paddocks, crops, and grass-lands, every now and again darting down 
to capture its prey. It has a peculiar chattering call which Is often 
uttered in an apparently excited manner. Food: grasshoppers, crickets, 
and other insects, small reptiles, rodents, and the young of ground¬ 
breeding birds. 
nest. In a hollow limb of a tree or crevice in a rock; sometimes a 
deserted nest of a Crow or Raven is used. 
eggs. Four or five, buff, covered with reddish-brown markings, which 
in some eggs are very pale in colour. Breeding-season: August to 
November or December. 6 
2. Collared Sparrow-hawk Accipiter cirrocephalus Vieillot 
Ac-cip'-it-er- L., accipiter, hawk: cir-ro-ceph'-al-us— Gk, cirros, tawny 
Gk, cephale, head. ’ 
distribution. Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in 
New Guinea. 
notes. Also called Sparrow-hawk and Chicken-hawk. Usually singly 
or in pairs, frequenting open and lightly timbered country. It is 
generally observed skimming above the surface of the ground or in 
and about timbered areas. During flight it is remarkably quick in its 
movements, and fearless when in pursuit of its prey. Its food consists 
almost entirely of small birds. The female is considerably larger than 
the male. 6 
nest. A platform composed of thin twigs, either dead or green, and 
lined with leaves. Generally placed on a thin forked limb of a tall tree 
Occasionally a deserted nest of a Whistling Eagle is used. 
eggs. Two to four, dull white or bluish-white, sometimes spotted 
or blotched with reddish-brown or lavender markings. Breeding-season- 
September to December (east); July (west). 
