148 



WHEATEAR — THE REDSTART. 



THB WHEATEAR. 



The Wheatear is one of our early visitors, appearing at the begin 

 ning of March. It is a very conspicuous bird, and can be readily 

 distinguished by the black mark that surrounds the eye, and stretches 

 from the base of the bill, to beyond the ear-coverts. It is a very 

 pretty songster, its notes being soft and sweet, although wanting in 

 power. 



It is killed in great numbers for the table, as its flesh is so delicate 

 as to entitle it to the name of the English Ortolan. In the proper 

 season, the bird is covered with fat to such an extent, that the 

 plumage is often spoiled by the fat running from the holes made 

 by the shot. 



The nest of the Wheatear is made of the usual materials, and is 

 placed in some sheltered spot where it is well concealed from prying 

 eyes. The eggs are five or six in number, of a delicate feint bluish 

 tinge, and very smooth on the exterior. 



THE REDSTART. 



The Redstart derives its name from the bright reddish chestnut 



color of the upper tail coverts and 

 tail feathers, which appear very 

 conspicuous as the bird flits from 

 one tree to another, or dashes off 

 when startled. It inhabits the 

 skirts of forests, copses, gardens, 

 and especially frequents old ivied 

 walls, where numbers of the nesta 

 may be found. In 1847, 1 found a 

 Redstart's nest built in a hole of a 

 wall, forming one side of a narrow 

 passage in Merton College, Oxford. 

 The eggs were nearly hatched, 

 and the birds did not seem to be 

 disturbed by the constant passing of servants with their parapher- 

 nalia of brooms, pails, and other implements. The nest was so placed 

 that every passer by could not fail to perceive it, but the birds sat on 

 their eggs quite unconcernedly. 



The song of this bird is not very powerful, but the notes are pecu 

 liarly sweet. While singing, it often changes its situation, occasionall i 

 singing as it flies. ' 



The nest is placed usually in a hole in a wall, or in a hollow tree. 

 The eggs are five in number, of a greenish-blue color, closely resem- 

 bling those of the Hedge Accentor. The length of the bird is rather 

 more than five inches. The fourth primary feather is the longest. 



