185 
been occasionally taken within our bounds, few, if 
any, have been captured in the singular sooty 
black plumage which it assumes in summer, No 
specimen of it has yet been seen in Scotland, but 
it is found in Holland, France, &c., while on its 
passage in spring and autumn. It imhabits the 
sea-shore, the borders of rivers, lakes, &c., and 
feeds on worms, insects, &c. The first authen- 
ticated specimens of the eggs of the Spotted Red- 
shank were obtained in the summer of 1854 by 
Mr. Wolley. 
BE Wen” .Bibk CK 
Syztvia Titnys, Temm. 
This species, which is rare in Sweden, and in 
the northern parts of the European Continent 
generally, is not an uncommon visitor to the eastern 
and western coasts of England. It is common in 
summer in Germany, France, and Switzerland. 
The habits of this bird are somewhat similar to 
those of the common Redstart, but it prefers stony 
places and is rarely seen on the plains. Its food 
consists of worms, insects in their various stages, 
small fruits and berries. Its nest, which is made 
in the clefts of rocks, holes in walls, &., is formed 
of grass and lined with hair. It produces five or 
six white eggs, smooth, shining, and polished in 
appearance. 
