Letter II.

THE most immediate relation of the Eagle, and of the same genus, is the Kite, or Glead;²⁰ a bird with which we are well acquainted in every part of England. It breeds in woods, and is known by it’s gliding and smooth flight high in the air. It is the terrour of good housewives, from the ravages it makes among the domestic poultry. Three or four species of this genus are known by the name of Buzzards; one is called the Honey Buzzard, Falco Apivorus, from it’s being very destructive to bees, which with reptiles, mice, and small birds, constitute it’s food. Another of this genus is the Goshawk, Falco Palumbarius, which, when Falconry was a diversion eagerly pursued in England and other parts of Europe, was one of the most esteemed birds for the purpose; and though not large, is so fierce and courageous, that it was flown at cranes, wild geese, and other birds of considerable size. The Gentil Falcon, Falco Gentilis, is an Alpine bird, and inhabits the highest Scottish mountains. Among several other species of these, is the Peregrine Falcon, Falco Peregrinus, which is still used by the few gentlemen who pursue the amusement of hunting in the air by means of birds of prey. The Peregrine Falcon was seen at Selborne²¹ not many years ago, but is rare in the south of England. Another, the Hen Harrier, Falco Cyaneus, is one of the most formidable enemies to young partridges, pheasants, and domestic poultry. It skims lightly along near the surface of the ground in search of prey, and on the ground makes it’s nest.