STONECHAT.— WHINCHAT. 57 



since it was first distinguished, the Black Redstart can 

 scarcely now be called a very rare bird ; in fact it may be 

 classed as a regular winter visitant, though in small 

 numbers. 



STONECHAT. 



Saxicola ruhicola. 



Resident, but less numerous, in winter, principally fre- 

 quenting the masses of furze on the Downs, or the open 

 heaths and commons more inland, where it may be seen 

 perched on the highest points of the furze, constantly 

 uttering its note, which has been compared to the sound 

 made by knocking two stones together, hence the name. 

 It also gives forth a rather pleasing little song while flitting 

 about from bush to bush. 



It feeds on insects, and particularly on beetles. In April 

 it builds a rather large and clumsy nest of coarse grass and 

 green moss, generally on the ground on the inside of a furze, 

 or other bush (close to the bottom), and well concealed by 

 thick herbaffc. 



WHINCHAT. 



Saxicola ruletra. 



This little bird arrives about the middle of April. It is to 

 be found in similar districts to the preceding, and particu- 

 larly in large tracts of furze, but is more generally diflused, 

 being partial to enclosed parts of the Weald, where it may 

 often be found about the hedges of our meadows and culti- 



