iS6 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF BRTTISH BIRDS. 



supporting the roof of a shed. Many curious sites have 

 been known, such as the interior of a pump, on the hinge 

 of a door, etc. The nest is small and somewhat loosely- 

 put together. Externally it is made of dry grass and 

 moss, bound together with cobwebs and wings of various 

 insects, and perhaps one or two rather large feathers ; 

 internally it is composed of roots, hair, and feathers. 

 Considerable variation may be noticed in the nest of 

 this species. Some nests contain twine, worsted, and 

 cotton ; others are garnished with lichens or dead leaves ; 

 some are entirely lined with roots, hair, or feathers 

 respectively. The female sits closely, but is not very 

 demonstrative when the nest is menaced. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement : 

 The eggs of the Spotted Flycatcher are from four to 

 six in number. They vary in ground colour from 

 bluish-white to clear pea-green, blotched, freckled, and 

 spotted with various shades of reddish-brown. Various 

 well-marked types occur. On some the spots are large, 

 semi-confluent, and nearly conceal the ground colour ; 

 on others they form a zone ; a rarer and very beautiful 

 variety is clouded all over with pale red. Average 

 measurement, 75 inch in length, by -56 inch in breadth. 

 Incubation, performed chiefly by the female, lasts about 

 thirteen days, but very often the first egg is sat upon as 

 soon as laid. 



Diagnostic characters : The bluish or greenish 

 ground colour and the reddish-brown markings dis- 

 tinguish the eggs of the Spotted Flycatcher from those 

 of other species. Some varieties, however, closely 

 resemble certain types of those of the Robin. The 

 situation and construction of the nest, however, prevent 

 confusion. 



