The same authority adds that these birds sometimes assemble in innumerable flocks; for he has seen thousands hovering over an Egyptian village.
The American Kite (Ictinia mississipiensis) is remarkable for its deeply-forked tail, which it uses as a rudder to guide it in flying, when it describes the most elegant curves; hence the name Forked-tail Pilot, which is sometimes given it. Essentially migratory, they may be seen in spring and autumn proceeding North or South. They are protected by law; for, aided by the Buzzards, they are of great service in clearing away garbage. They have no fear of water, and pounce upon fish when opportunity offers. In the harbours of the Southern States they may frequently be seen perched on carcasses floating in the tide-way.
The bill and claws of the Kite are weak in comparison with its size; it therefore wisely avoids coming in collision with birds of prey better armed than itself. This has been sufficient to give it the character of cowardice.
Kites are easily tamed, and if taken young they will soon become familiar.
Buzzards (Buteo) have long wings, a large head, and a rather squat figure; the tarsi are short, or of medium size; and the beak curved from the base; in fact, their appearance is heavy and ungraceful. They do not chase their prey when it is on the wing, but secrete themselves on a tree or other elevation, where they wait until a victim passes within reach. When thus occupied, they will remain for several hours in the most complete immobility, presenting an air of drowsiness which has become proverbial. This stupid look is owing to their nonchalant and apathetic attitude, and also to the weakness of their eyes, which are affected by the glare of strong light.
They generally build their nests on the loftiest trees, occasionally in thickets of brushwood growing among rocks. When frost occurs they approach settlements and make forays upon poultry. If pressed by hunger, they become excessively bold. Their general food consists of small birds, rodents, serpents, insects, and sometimes corn. They are easily tamed. M. Degland mentions one which lived in perfect harmony with a sporting dog, and even went so far as to share its food. Buffon also speaks of another which was so attached to its master that it could not be happy unless in his company; it was present at all his meals, when it would caress him with its head and bill; and, although this bird always enjoyed the most complete liberty, every evening it returned to roost on the window-sill. One day when its master was riding on horseback, it followed him for more than two leagues, hovering over him in the air.
Mr. Yarrell relates of these birds, which are much attached to their progeny, that in the town of Uxbridge a Buzzard kept in a domestic state having manifested a desire for building, the means were furnished, and two Hen's eggs placed under her. The young chickens were hatched and reared as if they had been her own. On another occasion, in order to save the trouble of sitting, some chickens just hatching were placed in her nest; these she killed, evidently feeling that she was not allied to them, by any maternal tie.
Fig. 298.—Common Buzzards (Buteo vulgaris).
The principal species are the Common Buzzard (Buteo vulgaris), [Fig. 298], which is found all over Europe—it was until lately very common in England; the Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), a native of Eastern Europe—this bird is partial to bees, wasps, and their larvæ, of which its food principally consists—it will also eat grain, and, in a domestic state, fruit; and the Rough-legged Buzzard (Archibuteo lagopus), so called on account of the feathers which cover its tarsi down to the toes: it is a native of Europe, North Africa, Asia, and America. Ptarmigans are their principal food, and cold climates their favourite habitat.