The LARK KESTREL (_Tinnunculus alaudarius_) is a very handsome bird,
about twelve and a half inches long, and twenty-seven broad; the wing
measures nine inches and a quarter, and the tail six inches and a
quarter. The feathers upon the head, nape, and tail of the male are grey,
terminating in a blueish-black patch, bordered with white; the mantle is
of a beautiful yellowish red, each feather being tipped with a triangular
spot; the throat is whitish yellow, the breast and belly reddish grey
or pale yellow, streaked longitudinally with black; the wing-feathers
are black, marked with from six to twelve triangular white or reddish
spots upon the inner web, and have a light border towards the tip; the
pupil of the eye is dark brown, the beak greyish brown, the cere and bare
places round the eyes are greenish yellow, and the feet lemon colour. The
cheeks are ornamented by a very distinct streak. In the female the upper
part of the body, as far as the top of the back, is of the hue of red
chalk, marked with longitudinal black marks; the feathers on the back are
ornamented with irregular spots, the tail is greyish red, with broad and
narrow stripes, and the rump is grey. The colours upon the lower parts
of the body are the same as those of the male. The plumage of the young
birds resembles that of the mother.
[Illustration: THE LARK KESTREL (_Tinnunculus alaudarius_).]
This species is found throughout the whole of Europe, especially
frequenting mountainous districts; it is most numerous in the southern
countries of our continent, where it is considered as a summer bird,
and whence it migrates as winter approaches. It usually frequents lofty
trees, old ruins, and rocks, where it constructs its eyrie. The nest
externally resembles those of its congeners, but is lined with roots,
stubble, moss, and the hair of various animals. The brood consists of
from four to seven round eggs, of a white or reddish-yellow colour,
spotted with brownish red. The care of hatching the young family devolves
entirely upon the female parent, who feeds her charge principally with
mice and insects; they will also eat lizards, frogs, or young birds.