DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY. 
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The lesser kestrel (F. cencliris ) is an inhabitant of Southern and South- 
Eastern Europe, migrating in winter to South Africa; and while scarcely smaller 
than the common species, has shorter wings. In the adult male the head 
hinder neck, rump, upper tail-coverts, and tail are bluish grey; the latter having 
a broad subterminal dark band and a white tip; while the whole of the back 
is cinnamon-rufous, without any black spots. The throat is yellowish white, and 
LESSER KESTREL (§ liat. size) 
most of the other under-parts are cinnamon-coloured with small black spots, 
becoming larger on the sides of the body, but disappearing on the thighs, which are 
uniform pale rufous. Although the cere and limbs resemble those of the common 
species in colour, the claws are generally white. The female is very similar to 
the hen of the common species, although lighter in colour, and with white claws. 
Spain, Malta, Southern Italy, and especially Greece, are some of the countries 
where the lesser kestrel is most common; but it also ranges into Syria, Turkey, 
Asia Minor, and Persia, and has been obtained from the steppes of Western Siberia. 
It may be seen on the Acropolis of Athens, the churches of Madrid, and the 
