42 BIRDS OF MIDDLESEX. 



I have observed this species in November and 

 February. But with regard to the Whinchat, I 

 believe that this species leaves us in September 

 until the following April. I once saw a Whinchat 

 on September 19, but this is the latest stay for the 

 sj)ecies which I have noted. This bird has rather a 

 pleasant, although not very varied song, which it 

 generally utters from the top of a spray or low 

 bough of a tree. Its alarm-note is a double note, 

 so given as to sound almost like one, and is followed 

 by the sound " chook, chook." 



Wheatear, Saxicola oenanthe. Remains with us 

 about six months in the year, from the middle of 

 March to the middle of September. The Wheatear 

 maybe known at an}^ distance by its peculiar motion 

 on the ground — running instead of hopping, stopping 

 suddenly when at full speed to pick up an insect, 

 and flirting the tail up and down. The white rump 

 is very conspicuous, and affords a good mark of 

 distinction when the bird flies. Its favourite haunts 

 are old gravel and chalk pits, and, above all, rabbit- 

 warrens, where it makes its nest in a deserted burrow. 



After the annual moult, which follows the breeding 

 season, the plumage becomes very different. In 

 few other birds, perhaps, is there so complete a 

 change. The old males turn from bright bluish 

 grej^ above to dull brown ; in this respect in their 

 winter plumage approaching in colour to the females 

 in summ.er dress, while the latter, as the season 



