FALCONS. 
*9 3 
In its native land, where it is generally known as the Mississippi kite, the 
figured species is a common bird in many districts, more especially in parts of 
Texas. Its favourite feeding - grounds are said to be the cotton-fields: where 
it may be seen at one moment soaring high in the air, and soon after just skim¬ 
ming above the tops of the plants, or flying between the rows. It seldom alights ; 
but may now and then be observed perched on some dead tree, when it suffers 
itself to be approached within fifteen or twenty yards before taking wing. The 
food of this species is believed to consist mainly of large insects, probably 
MISSISSIPPI FALCON AND SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (l Mat. size). 
supplemented with small rodents and reptiles. The nest is built in a tree, usually 
in a fork, and may be used for two or more seasons in succession. Usually but 
two or three eggs are laid, which differ from those of most members of the family 
in being of a uniform bluish white colour, without spots. In defence of their 
nest and young these birds are said to display great courage. 
The crested falcons, of which there are several species rangin 
from India through Malayana to North Australia, and to Africa, and 
Madagascar, differ, as we have seen, from the last genus by having two notches 
on the edge of the beak and by their shorter wings; while they are distinguished 
from all other members of the subfamily by the crest of elongated feathers at the 
Crested Falcons. 
cr 
VOL. IV.- 
