File:Coloured illustrations of British birds, and their eggs (1842) (14752150021).jpg

Identifier: colouredillustra11842meye (find matches)
Title: Coloured illustrations of British birds, and their eggs
Year: 1842 (1840s)
Authors: Meyer, H. L. (Henry Leonard), d. 1864 Meyer, H. L. (Henry Leonard), d. 1864. Illustrations of British birds Rutter, Daniel, former owner. DSI Rolle, Mark, former owner. DSI S. & J. Bentley, Wilson & Fley, printer S. & J. Bentley and Henry Fley, printer
Subjects: Birds Birds Birds Taxidermists Birds
Publisher: London : G.W. Nickisson
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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r 1772, in Ar-gyleshire, and the second in Yorkshire in 1805 ; since whichperiod no instance of its capture is known to have occurred. This elegant bird bears much resemblance to our commonSwallow in its form and manner of flying, in the length andshape of its prolonged tail-feathers, and also in its manner oftaking its prey, which is always captured and devoured uponthe wing. By American authors we are informed that theevolutions they perform when on the wing in pursuit of theirprey are remarkable for grace, ease, and rapidity. This con-sists chiefly of aerial insects, with which the countries theyinhabit abound : they also feed upon reptiles, which theysweep from the surface of the ground, or take from thebranches of the trees when passing along ; but they are saidin all cases to eat their prey while on the wing. They are found in the warmer parts of North America;also in a similar latitude south of the equator, towards whichthey migrate at the approach of winter. They usually asso-
Text Appearing After Image:
*^?^fr 1 7 />/. /4 SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. 71 ciate together in flocks, and while on their migratory passagesare seen travelling in large companies. The loftiest trees are selected by this species for theirplace of incubation, in low and marshy situations. The nestis formed of sticks and coarse grass, and lined with warmmaterials. The young, in their nestling state before theappearance of their feathers, are covered with down of a yel-lowish colour : the plumage of the first year resembles thatof the adult, but, as is usually the case in young birds, itwants the gloss and changing tints that play upon the plum-age of the older ones. The eggs are said to be greenish white, marked irregularlyat the larger end with blotches of dark brown. The length of the Swallow-tailed Kite is about twenty-four inches ; the wing from the carpus to the tip is sixteeninches, and the tail extends about three inches beyond theclosed wings. The toes are entirely divided ; the middle toeand claw measure abou

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