(_one fourth Nat. size_)]
The KESTREL (_Tinnunculus cenchris_) is a species very similar to the
bird above described, and likewise inhabits the southern countries of
Europe. The male is twelve inches long and twenty-six inches broad;
the wing measures ten inches and the tail five and a half. The body of
the female is somewhat larger than that of her mate, being thirteen
inches long, and twenty-eight across the span of the wings. The plumage
of the male bird is of a blueish grey upon the head, large wing-covers,
posterior quills, and tail; the back is brick red, the feathers upon the
breast yellowish red, marked with very small, often scarcely perceptible,
spots; the tail is tipped with black. The eyes are dark brown, the beak
light brown, and the feet lemon colour; the claws are yellowish white.
The female closely resembles the female Lark Kestrel in appearance, but
is paler in colour, and, moreover, recognisable by its whitish-blue tail
and white claws. The young are like the mother.
[Illustration: THE RED-FOOTED OR EVENING FALCON (_Erythropus
vespertinus_).]
Spain and the neighbouring islands, Malta, South Italy, and particularly
Greece, together with some of the countries lying still farther east,
form the habitat of these birds; they are also very common upon some of
the Russian steppes, but are rarely met with in mountainous districts.
Such lowland regions as are in the immediate neighbourhood of water
afford them the retreats they prefer, as there they find that unfailing
supply of insect nourishment upon which they almost entirely rely. This
species appears in Greece at the end of March, and migrates about the
end of September. The eggs are usually laid at the bottom of some old
wall or in the roofs of houses, whether the latter are inhabited or not.
The brood consists of from four to six eggs, closely resembling those
of the species last mentioned, but rather smaller (see Coloured Plate
IV., Fig. 19). During the period of incubation the parents are often so
intent on their duties that they will allow themselves to be captured by
hand. The flight of the Kestrels is light and rapid, but far inferior to
that of the True Falcon; occasionally they will soar high into the air,
but usually fly at no great distance from the earth; when about to seize
their prey, they hover before descending, performing the latter movement
with considerable celerity. Whilst perching, the plumage is allowed to
droop carelessly, and thus gives the bird the appearance of being larger
than is actually the case. Upon the ground they have the advantage over
the True Falcons, as the greater length of the tarsi renders their
movements light and easy.
As regards the perfection of their senses they are by no means behind
their more powerful kindred, though they differ from the latter
considerably in disposition, being extremely lively and bold. Above
all things they seem to delight in tormenting birds much larger than
themselves; they pursue the most formidable amongst the many tyrants of
the air without the slightest fear, and persecute and annoy the Screech
Owl incessantly; they will often confront even man himself with great
spirit and determination, and in some countries live upon the most
friendly terms with the inhabitants of the houses in the thatch of which
they lay their eggs. Their cry is a clear cheerful note, which varies in
its sound according to the feeling it is intended to express. When caged
they may be rendered extremely tame, so that they may be permitted to fly
in and out, and will come at their master's call.
The Kestrels usually leave their sleeping-places very early in the
morning, and continue to sweep over the face of the country long after
the shades of evening have closed in. When about to migrate they assemble
in large flocks, which remain associated until they return in the spring.
Jerdon tells us that both species are regular visitors to Southern Asia,
and we ourselves have seen great swarms of them in Central Africa during
the months that form our cold season. Districts abounding in locusts are
generally preferred as winter quarters, such localities affording an
inexhaustible supply of food; indeed, those who have never seen an army
of locusts can form no adequate idea of the immense numbers in which they
are often met with; whole tracts of woodland are completely covered by
them, and their hosts darken the air whenever they are roused from their
work of devastation. To the Kestrels these swarms furnish a rich field
for exertion and active enjoyment; perched upon the highest branches of
the mimosa, they await the moment when the locusts take wing, and then
dart upon their prey; in vain the insect endeavours to free itself by
biting the enemy's foot; the powerful antagonist makes short work of its
struggles by crushing the head; the wings and feet are then torn off, and
devoured while the bird hovers in the air. We have often amused ourselves
by shaking the trees or bushes, and thus rousing the locusts, in order
to enjoy the pleasure of seeing the dexterity displayed by the Kestrels
during these onslaughts; for, strange to say, the insects appeared fully
to understand their danger, and used all possible means to avoid their
evidently dreaded enemies.