RUDDY-BREASTED BIRDS. 95 



chestnut ; under parts whitish, washed with orange. 

 Summer migrant. 



Eggs. — Usually 6, at times more, pale greenish- 

 blue ; -7 X -55 inch (plate 125). 



Nest. — Of dry grass, moss, and rootlets, lined with 

 hair and feathers, and placed in a hole in a tree or 

 a wall, and in similarly sheltered recesses in out- 

 buildings. 



Distribution. — Throughout Great Britain, chiefly in 

 the south, but rare in the south-west and Pembroke- 

 shire ; less common in Scotland, and very uncommon 

 in Ireland. 



The Redstart is most generally observed in spring 

 when, as a migrant, it drifts across the country, 

 frequenting hedgerows, the woodside, and the ploughed 

 fields in its passage. When seen perched, with rocking 

 tail, on some low branch, post, or rail, it recalls the 

 Redbreast b}'' its pose and ruddy breast, and the 

 Wheatear by its closely dressed plumage and blue- 

 gray upper parts bordered by the dark bands 

 fonned by the closed wings. But the identification 

 of this bird need depend upon no other feature 

 than the broad flash of brilliant orange- chestnut as 

 it darts with expanded tail-feathers along the hedge- 

 row, from its perch to the ground and up again, or 

 into the air to snap up a passing insect. No other 

 bird has anything resembling this display of the 

 ' Firetail,' as the bird is sometimes called. From the 

 open it retires to quiet gardens, orchards, woods, or 

 ivy-clad ruins, building its nevSt in holes of trees and 

 walls, or similar out-of-the-way corners. Its song 

 is a slight but sweet warbling. Redstarts have a 



