Birds of Britain 



in gardens and woods, and feeds entirely on small insects, 

 which are invariably captured on the wing. The nest, which 

 is placed against a tree, in ivy near a wall, or frequently on 

 the beam in a verandah or outhouse, is composed entirely of 

 moss loosely felted together with cobwebs and lichens, and 

 is lined with horsehair and a few feathers. The eggs are 

 bluish, mottled and spotted with rusty red spots. From its 

 quiet ways and unobtrusive plumage they often escape 

 observation, even in the vicinity of the nest, on which the 

 female sits very closely. The cock, however, may often 

 be seen on his favourite perch, generally a dead bough, or 

 some wire railings, from which he darts down constantly to 

 seize some unfortunate insect that has attracted his attention, 

 after which he immediately returns to his perch to wait 

 for more. When the young are hatched his time is fully 

 occupied in catering for their wants, and we may miss 

 him, or only see him for shorter periods, as it becomes 

 increasingly necessary for him to keep on the move and 

 find his food instead of waiting until the unsuspecting 

 prey comes to him. 



In July and August, however, when family cares are 

 over, we shall see a good deal of this species ; both old and 

 young chasing insects from various exposed perches, and 

 announcing the successful capture by a telling snap of 

 the bill. Towards the end of August, long before lack of 

 food or storms toll the knell of departing summer, they 

 start on their long journey to the south ; we may not have 

 taken much notice of them while they were with us, but their 

 departure leaves a gap, and we then realise the part they 

 played in the picture of a summer's garden. 



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