BRITAIN'S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 277 



into. Sand-Martins seem to be even more vigorously 

 attacked by these parasites — which belong to a distinct 

 species — than the other Swallows. That they seldom wash 

 or even take a dust-bath may have something to do 

 with it. 



Family, MUSCICAPIDtE (Fly-catchers). 



THE SPOTTED FLY=CATCHER 



(Muscicapa grisola). 



Plate 94. 



The Fly-catchers are not an important group so far 

 as the British Isles are concerned ; but the present 

 species is common and widespread, nesting in suitable 

 localities — even in some of the London parks — throughout 

 almost the whole area except the extreme north of Scot- 

 land, towards which it becomes gradually scarcer. The 

 name 'Fly-catcher' well describes the habits of this 

 bird and its allies. Insects form almost the whole food, 

 and are, as a rule, taken on the wing. Sustained pursuit 

 forms no part of the bird's methods, however. The Fly- 

 catcher perches on some point of vantage and remains 

 still for a time. But as insects begin to come unsuspect- 

 ingly around, it makes occasional rushes, usually succeeding 

 in catching a victim, and returns to its post to await 

 another opportunity. 



In autumn, it is true, the Fly-catcher may take berries, 

 but it is saved any long continuance of non-insectivorous 

 fare by its migratory habits. It is only a summer visitor 

 to our islands, not usually arriving even in the south 

 before the beginning of May, and quitting our shores in 

 September. 



