134 FLYCATCHERS. 



when they approach within a certain distance. The nest is formed 

 in the forks of branches or in the holes of trees. It is composed of 

 leaves, moss or hay, and small twigs, lined with hair and feathers. 

 The female lays four or five eggs. These birds are of small size, 

 and weak in their general conformation ; none are so large as a 

 sparrow. Their bill is flattened, and their whole structure light 

 and delicate. Their colouring, though elegant, is devoid of vivid 

 tints. 



We select for description 



The Spotted Flycatcher {Muscicapa grisold). This pretty little bird is 

 one of our summer visitors, arriving in our island in May, and departing at 



Fig. 71.— The Spotted Flycatcher {ISItiscicata grisola). 



the close of September. The flycatcher is recluse in its habits, frequenting 

 embowered retreats, shady gardens, orchards, and groves, where the foHage 

 affords it concealment ; not, indeed, that it is timid, for, if not rudely disturbed, 

 it will allow itself to be closely watched during the performance of its aerial 

 evolutions in pursuit of its insect food. It generally chooses for its perch and 

 observatory the bough of a fruit tree or one of the lower branches of the elm, 

 whence it takes short, abrupt, circling flights, returning to the same or to an 

 adjacent twig ; darting in chase of its prey at almost regular intervals for half 

 an hour together, and returning after each flight to the same post of observa- 

 tion. The note of the flycatcher is a weak chirp, which is seldom uttered after 

 the appearance of the young brood. Its nest is built in various situations, as 

 convenience may dictate — sometimes between the branch of a trained fruit tree 

 and the wall, or in holes in the wall hidden by foliage. It will also build in 



