249 



peckers' holes and even in a nesting box (Rey). The materials used, 

 chiefly dry grasses, do not differ from those used by the Pied Flycatcher, 

 and the holes may be found at any height from 2? to 25 ft., but usually 

 from 3 to 7 ft. 



Usually 6 or 7, but clutches of even 8 and 9 are said to have Eggs. 

 been found. They are like those of the preceding species, but no spotted 

 eggs have been recorded. Bau says that the texture of the shell is 

 somewhat smoother and more glossy and when fresh has a somewhat 

 transparent and waxy appearance. 



In Gotland about June 1, but in Styria eggs have been found on ^"^^^^"^s 



' J && ^ ^ Season. 



May 9, though this is an exceptionally early date and the usual time is in 

 the latter part of May. The hen sits very closely, but leaves the nest 

 about 6 or 7 am., and may then be watched on. When the young are 

 hatched the parents are so assiduous that the nest is easily found. 



Average of 45 eggs (23 by the writer, 12 by Ottosson and 10 by Measure- 

 Bau), 17.25 X 13.34 mm., Max. 18.5x14 and 17.8x14.7; Min. °''°*'' 

 15.6 X 12.6 and 16 X 12.5. Bau gives the average weight of 10 eggs 

 as 89 mg. Seidensacher gives the weight of unblown eggs as 1.522 to 

 1.651 g. 



112. Red breasted Flycatcher, Muscicapa parva Bechst. 



Plate 37, fig. 5, 6 (Central Europe). 



Eggs: Thienemann, Fortpfl. Tab. XXIX, fig. 8, a — c. Baedeker, 

 Tab. 52, fig. 10. Taczanowski, Tab. XLI, fig. 3. Seebohm, Br. Birds, 

 pi. 9; id. Col. Fig., pi. 52. Dresser, pi. — , fig. 11, 12. 



Foreign Names: Bohemia: Lejsek mahj. Germany: Zwerg- 

 Fliegenschnn'piier. Hungary: Kis legyhapo. Voland : MucJiolowka rdeawka. 

 Sweden: Lilla tlugsnappare. Russia: Malaya Mycholovka. 



Muscicapa parva Bechst. Newton, ed. Yarrell, I, p. 224. Dresser, 

 B. of Europe, III, p. 465 and Man. Pal. Birds p. 256. Saunders, Man. 

 p. 161. M. parva parva Bechst. Hartert, Vog. Pal. Fauna, p. 485. 



Breeding Range: Russia, S. of lat. 61", Denmark, Rugen, and 

 sporadically in Germany (except in the extreme W.), Poland, and Austro- 

 Hungary. [Also in W. Siberia.] 



There is no proof at present that this bird has nested in S. and Con 

 S. E. Sweden, but is not unlikely that it does so. It is however said 

 to have bred in Denmark, and is met with on Riigen and sporadically 

 in many parts of Germany; but is absent from the extreme W., while 

 in Russia it is not uncommon in the Baltic Provinces and certainly breeds 

 on the R. Swir (Olonetz government). Apparently its range extends 

 through Central Russia to W. Siberia and the Caucasus, and in some 



tinental 

 Europe. 



