The BUZZARD KITE (_Cymindis uncinatus_) is sixteen inches in length and
thirty-three inches broad; the wing measures eleven and the tail seven
inches. The plumage of the adult male is uniform light grey, shaded with
blue, somewhat lighter on the lower parts of the body; the wing and
tail-feathers are of the same pale shade, striped with deep grey--a broad
white line passes over the base of the tail-feathers; the eye is of a
pearly hue; the upper mandible blackish grey, the lower whitish yellow;
the cere, cheek-stripes, and a spot near the eyes, are greyish green; the
margin of the mouth yellow; the feet orange colour. The female is of a
paler grey, with grey and black waved markings on the wings; the under
part of the body is striped with white; and below the broad white streak
upon the tail passes a succession of alternate black and grey lines. The
back of the young bird is greyish brown, each feather being edged with
red; the body underneath is light reddish yellow, transversely striped
with rust-red; the primary quills are blackish brown, adorned with light
streaks, and bordered with white. When seen from above, the tail exhibits
two yellowish grey stripes; beneath, it presents lines of reddish yellow,
and is tipped with the same shade.
We learn from the Prince von Wied, and other authorities, that these
birds are found throughout a large portion of South America. They are
most numerous on the outskirts of forests, more particularly of such
as are in the immediate vicinity of the settlements of the planters;
and lead for the most part a solitary life. Their appearance is very
beautiful, and their flight varied and rapid. The stomachs of such as the
Prince von Wied shot were found to contain insects and snails, but they
will also eat birds and small quadrupeds. In disposition this species
is courageous and fierce. The eyrie is built upon lofty trees, and is
generally quite inaccessible.