THE SAXICOLINJE, OR STONECHATS. 107 



yellowish, and reddish-browns, while white is 

 often very conspicuous about the rump and tail, 

 and is sometimes strongly contrasted with black, 

 or some dark tint on those parts. In most coun- 

 tries we believe the species are migratory, or 

 partially so ; and the plumage undergoes a change 

 during the breeding season to very dark brown 

 or black in those parts which, in their general 

 dress, exhibit the deepest shades. The food is 

 chiefly insectivorous, it is taken from the ground, 

 very seldom during flight ; and thus it is that we 

 always see the birds occupying the summit of a 

 tall plant, the topmost twig of a bush, or the top 

 of a stake or railing, whence they can survey 

 the ground around them, and make a dart on 

 such insects as come within their view. Two of 

 our species migrate, appearing in spring, and dis- 

 appearing again about the same period with our 

 other summer visitants. The third species 

 migrates only partially, a few pairs remaining 

 stationary on the moors or commons during 

 winter. Their nidification is on the ground, in 

 holes, or at the root of some low bush, the colour 

 of the eggs green, or bluish-green. 



SAXICOLA, Bechstein Bill straight, advancing 

 on the forehead, dilated at the base, slightly 

 bent at the tip, faintly but distinctly notched ; 

 rictus furnished with weak bristles ; wings 

 moderate ; first quill very short, third, fourth, 

 and fifth equal and longest; tail even, or 

 slightly rounded ; tarsi long, lateral toes 

 slightly unequal, claws weak. 

 Note. Europe, Asia, Africa, New Holland. 



