PASSE RES. { 131 ) MUSCICAPIDAL. 



THE SPOTTED FLYCATCHEE. 



Muscicapa grisola. 



Summer birds pursuing gilded flies. 



COWPER, Winter Walk at Noov. 



The Spotted Flycatcher is one of our latest summer migrants, 

 and does not often make its appearance until the advent of 

 mild weather, when the cold breath of winter has passed 

 away for the season. 



It generally comes from about the middle to the end of 

 May, when the trees are assuming their summer dress ; 

 but it has been observed in the county as early as the end 

 of April.- It leaves us for a warmer climate about the 

 beginning of September, and appears to spend the winter 

 months in Africa, 



It is a modest, silent, unobtrusive bird, and during 

 summer may frequently be seen perched on a paling or post, 

 or the dead branch of a tree by the roadside, and at short 

 intervals darting away after insects for a few yards at a 

 time, and then returning to its perch again. 



It frequents roadside trees, avenues, and gardens, and 

 seems to be in no way particular about the position of its 

 nest, as far as concealment is concerned ; for it often builds 

 on the boughs of wall fruit trees, close to walks, or in other 



1 This local name has been given to the bird on account of its note being like 

 the word "Egypt." 



2 Dr. Stuart records that he saw several Spotted Flj-catcher.s at Blanerne 

 Bridge hawking for Hies on 30th April Vi^i.—Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. x. p. 574. 



