246 SYLVIADE. 



The Stonechat, a migratory species over tlie greater 

 part of the European Continent, where it is not observed to 

 remain during the winter, is a constant resident in this coun- 

 try, — or at least it may be said, that only a portion of those 

 produced during the breeding season leave us in autumn, and 

 return again about the end of March in the spring following. 

 Many remain, and may be seen through the winter months 

 on most of our dry commons and heaths which are partially 

 covered with patches of furze or low brushwood. Should the 

 weather prove very severe, they leave these exposed districts, 

 and frequent for a time more sheltered situations. In the 

 spring and early part of summer this lively little bird may be 

 seen flitting from bush to bush, restless and noisy, — from 

 which latter habit the common names of Stonechatter and 

 Stoneclink originate, — almost always perching on the most 

 elevated part of a stone or bush, and seldom remaining long 

 in one spot. From such prominent positions they may be 

 seen darting oif with rapid motion to capture a passing insect, 

 and, Flycatcher like, returning to their former station. 

 Their song, which is also occasionally uttered while on the 

 wing, is short, but pleasing ; and they may be frequently 

 heard to imitate the notes of other small birds. They are 

 often to be seen on the ground in search of worms, which, 

 Avitli various insects, are their most common objects of re- 

 quest as articles of food. 



The Stonechat begins to build early in April : the nest is 

 rather large for the size of the bird, and is usually placed on 

 or near the ground at the base of some low bush ; the outside 

 of a specimen now before me is constructed of moss and 

 strong grass, lined with fine bents, hairs, and a few small fea- 

 thers. The female lays five or six eggs, about the middle or 

 during the third week of April ; these are of a pale greyish 

 blue, the larger end minutely speckled with dull reddish 

 brown : the length of the egg is about eight lines and a half, 



