REDSTART. 137 



colouring. Average measurement, "83 inch in length, by 

 ■6 inch in breadth. Incubation, performed chiefly by the 

 female, lasts fourteen days. 



Diagnostic characters : The eggs of the Nightin- 

 gale cannot readily be confused with those of any other 

 species breeding in our islands, their brown or olive 

 appearance making their identification an easy task. 



Family TURDIDyE. Genus Ruticilla. 



Sub-family TURDIN.-E. 



REDSTART. 



Ruticilla PHa-:NicuRus {Lhnuei/s). 

 Single Brooded. Laying season. May. 



British breeding area : The Redstart breeds more 

 or less locally in most parts of England, especially so in 

 the south-west peninsula, from Devon to Cornwall. In 

 Devon it is most abundant on migration. Everywhere 

 it becomes rarer in the western counties, and is said only 

 to penetrate in any number into Wales as far as Brecon- 

 shire. In Scotland it becomes even more local and less 

 plentiful, although it has been met with breeding as far 

 north as the mainland extends. Its occurrence in Ireland 

 is only abnormal. Its northern range appears to be 

 increasing. 



Breeding habits : The Redstart arrives in our 

 islands early in April, a week or so later in the m.ore 

 northern localities. The haunts of the Redstart are 

 principally^ in or near cultivated districts. It frequents 

 the borders of, and the open spaces in woodlands, 

 coppices where plenty of hollow timber is to be found, 



