208 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
eggs. Two or three, buff, covered all over with reddish-brown mark¬ 
ings; some have the markings more numerous about the centre of 
the eggs. Breeding-season: August to November. 
6. Black Falcon Falco subniger Gray 
sub-ni'-ger— L., subniger , 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 remark¬ 
ably 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: Septem¬ 
ber 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. 
8. Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris Latham 
El'-dn-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 neighbour¬ 
hood of farms, either flying over paddocks and crops or else perched on 
