220 BRITISH BIRDS 



likely to survive in cage or aviary. If placed in a green- 

 house, one of these birds will quickly clear it of insects 

 and prevent their subsequent invasion. 



The nest is formed of stalks and blades of grass, and 

 is lined with feathers or the hair of various animals; it is 

 often very cleverly concealed, but is sometimes merely 

 placed by the side of a stone, a clod of earth, or even a 

 tuft of coarse grass. The eggs, five or six in number, 

 and of rather elongated form, are of a pale greenish-blue 

 colour without spots. The young can be reared on ants' 

 eggs and maggots, with the addition of a little bread and 

 milk; they should be taken when about half-grown. 



Beauty of plumage, quaint little ways, and a pleasing 

 song of no great volume, combine to make the Wheatear 

 a favourite with amateurs who do not mind a little trouble 

 in connection with their pets. 



It is very fond of sitting on a stone, or a clod of earth, 

 or even on a post or rail, and should have something 

 similar provided for its amusement in the aviary. From 

 these points of vantage, it makes a quick dart every now 

 and then at some passing insect, the capture of which it 

 rarely fails to effect, and with which it returns to its 

 favourite perch for the purpose of quietly discussing the 

 dainty morsel. 



A pair of these birds form an extremely interesting 

 addition to the aviary, especially during the season of love 

 and courtship, when a great deal of amusing by-play goes 

 on between them, and when the song of the male, which 

 is really a very agreeable warble, is more frequently heard 

 than at other times, and is prolonged far into the night 

 although commenced before daylight. 



Suitably provided with shelter and reasonably cared for, 

 the Wheatear will last for several years in confinement; 

 but on a diet of hemp-seed and breadcrumbs the days of 

 its life are very brief indeed, and as sad as they are few. 



THE WHIMBREL. See under Curlews. 



