PERCHING BIRDS. 49 
spots as the other species, but differ somewhat in the 
ground colour, which is in some cases tinted with blue. 
I am able to include both the pied and spotted fly- 
catchers in my list. The former (Musicapa luctuosw) 
I had the pleasure of first seeing at the end of April, 
1854, though only for a few minutes. I imagine from 
the early period of its appearance that it must have been 
merely en route to those more northern counties which 
appear to be its strongholds. It was perched on a pro- 
jecting stake in a hedge by the roadside, a little way out 
of the village, and it immediately attracted my atten- 
tion by its active movements as well as by its rarity. 
The morning was genial and sunny, and the bird, a male, 
was catching flies most vigorously, as if it had not pre- 
viously broken its fast, springing from its perch into the 
air and again returning, at the same time uttering in a 
very decisive manner a short note resembling “ chuck.” 
For a few minutes I watched its motions with great in- 
terest, when it became alarmed at my presence and flew 
away. I should not be surprised to find this species 
breeding with us; we have many spots which are exactly 
suited to its habits, and it is found in both the adjoining: 
counties of Derbyshire and Yorkshire; but at present I 
only know it as a visitor. 
I have since met with the Pied Flycatcher several 
times in the forest, and I hope my anticipations as to its 
breeding may be realized. Mr. Wells of Cockglode 
has killed several of them in Birkland. 
The Spotted Flycatcher (M. grisola) is very plentiful, 
but is comparatively rarely seen in the forest until after 
_ its young brood are able to fly. The gardens around the 
village and the meadows along the margin of the stream 
are its principal resorts, the latter especially so, The 
E 
