THE FLYCATCHERS 



1693 



the ground, and after capturing a victim usually alight upon a fresh perch. In con- 

 finement the pied flycatcher is shy and retiring, but contrives to dart upon any 

 insects that may be introduced into its cage with surprising velocity. The plumage' 

 of the male in the breeding season is black above, with here and there a shade of 

 brown, although we have never seen a specimen in which the black plumage was 

 entirely unsullied by a brown tinge. The wings are dark brown, with the primaries 

 white at the base of the outer web; the tail is black and white; the forehead is 

 white, as are the cheeks and under surface. 



WHITE COHARED AND RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER. 



(Two-thirds natural size.) 



White-Collared . 

 Flycatcher 



The white-collared flycatcher (M. collaris) visits the south of Europe 

 in considerable numbers, but is always a local bird. L,ike its con- 



gener the pied flycatcher, it frequents the neighborhood of old timber, 

 and builds its nest in hollow trees. The eggs are greenish blue. The song is dis- 

 tinct from that of the pied flycatcher, as is also the call note, the latter being a 

 sharp disagreeable whistle. It is possible, however, that the two species interbreed, 

 since the form found in the Caucasus is intermediate between the white-collared and 

 the pied flycatcher. The adult male is black above; the lower back and rump ashy 

 gray; the wing feathers black with white bases; the tail black edged with white on 

 the outer webs; the forehead white, and a white collar completely encircling the 

 hind neck; the throat and lower parts pure white. 



