22 COMMON BRITISH BIRDS 



Note. A call-note much resembling the CTJ of a 

 young Blackbird. 



Distinguishing Feature. The Flycctcher may be 

 recognized by its habit of sitting on a post, rail, or 

 other convenient point whence it makes short ex 

 cursions into the air after flies, usually returning to 

 its original perch. The snap of the bird's beak as he 

 catches his prey can be heard at some yards distant. 

 The Flycatcher has a characteristic pose when perching, 

 with the body in a horizontal position, which may have 

 been acquired through the necessity of being in readi- 

 ness to fly off at any moment. 



Nest. In ivy, or creeper, against the wall, in a crevice 

 in a tree or other like place, made of moss, wool, &c., 

 lined with hair. 



Eggs. Whitish, thickly spotted and blotched with 

 orange-red. 



Haunts. Gardens and edges of wood. Seems to 

 prefer being near man's dwelling-places. 



GOLDCREST. (R. Goldcrest.) 



Size. Smaller than Sparrow. Smallest British bird. 

 Length about 3! inches. 



Colour. Above greenish. Along crown a streak 

 of brilliant orange bordered on each side with a line 

 of black, wings dusky-brown, with two bars of yellowish- 

 white, under parts ashy-white, sides olive. 



Note. A rather piercing call-note and a weak song. 



Distinguishing Feature. The small size, gold crest, 

 and the grey bars on wing. 



Nes't. Suspended en a branch of pine- or yew-tree, 

 beautifully made of moss, &c. 



Eggs. Whitish, with tiny reddish-brown spots. 



Haunts. Chiefly woods, especially fir-woods, or 

 where there are many yew-trees. 



GOLDFINCH. (R. Finches.) 



Size. Rather smaller than a Sparrow. 



Colour. Forehead and face bright crimson, head 

 and ear -coverts black, cheeks white, back and sides of 

 breast fawn-brown, under parts white. Lesser wing- 

 coverts black, greater coverts and basal half of quills 

 bright yellow, rest of quills black with white spots on 

 tips. Tail black, tipped white. 



