WHEATEAR. 141 



rough fallows. Less frequently a deserted rabbit-burrow 

 is selected ; whilst in Scotland I have repeatedly found 

 it in the side of a peat-stack. At St. Kilda a hole in 

 the wall of the rough "cleats" or shelters for the sheep 

 is selected. It is a loosely-made structure, composed 

 externally of dry grass, roots, and sometimes a little 

 moss, and lined with hair, fur, wool, finer roots, and 

 feathers, according to which material is readiest to hand. 

 The bird sits closely, and though restless and anxious 

 enough when its breeding-haunt is invaded, rarely betrays 

 the exact whereabouts of the nest. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement : 

 The eggs of the Wheatear are from four to seven in 

 number, five or six being most usually found. They 

 are somewhat elongated in shape, very pale blue in 

 ground colour, and generally without markings of any 

 kind. Varieties, however, may be met with on which a 

 few dust-like specks of purplish-brown occur, usually on 

 the large end of the Q'g'g. Average measurement, "82 

 inch in length, by '62 inch in breadth. Incubation, 

 performed chiefly by the female, lasts fourteen days. 

 In spite of very positive statements to the contrary, I 

 do not think the Wheatear ever rears more than one 

 brood in the season. 



Diagnostic characters : The size and pale blue 

 colour readily distinguish the eggs of the Wheatear from 

 those of any other species likely to be confused with 

 them in our islands. The nest also assists to their 

 correct identification. 



