124 



BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



Stonccbat 



''':^ 



The Stonechat {Pratincola ruMcola, Linnreus) is a somewhat 

 generally dispersed resident, and partially migratory, species 

 in the British Islands. It is also found inhabiting the 

 temperate parts of Europe west of the Volga. During 

 the winter it is a resident in Africa. The adult male in 

 nuptial plumage has the sides of the neck and upper 

 parts of wings white ; rump, white, with dark centres and 

 rufous margins ; tail, black, with brown margins ; back, 

 black, feathers margined with yellowish-brown ; wings, 

 brownish-black ; sides of face and throat, black ; under 

 parts, rufous-brown ; abdomen, yellowish-white ; irides, 

 brown ; bill, legs, and feet, black. Length, about five 

 inches. The female is brown in the upper part, streaked 

 with darker brown; rump, brown, tinged with red; the 

 throat shows black mottlings. 



