STONECHAT. 279 



THE STONECHAT, a migratory species over the greater 

 part of the European Continent, where it is not observed 

 to remain during the winter, is a constant resident in this 

 country,' or at least it may be said, that only a portion of 

 those produced during the breeding season leave us in 

 autumn, and return again about the end of March in the 

 spring following. Many remain, and may be seen through 

 the winter months on most of our dry commons and 

 heaths which are partially covered with patches of furze or 

 low brushwood. Should the weather prove very severe, 

 they leave these exposed districts, and frequent for a time 

 more sheltered situations. In the spring and early part 

 of summer this lively little bird may be seen flitting 

 from bush to bush, restless and noisy, from which latter 

 habit the common names of Stonechatter and Stoneclink 

 originate, almost always perching on the most elevated 

 part of a stone or bush, and seldom remaining long in one 

 spot. From such prominent positions they may be seen 

 darting off with rapid motion to capture a passing insect, 

 and, Flycatcher like, returning to their former station. 

 Their song, which is also occasionally uttered while on the 

 wing, is short, but pleasing ; and they may be frequently 

 heard to imitate the notes of other small birds. They are 

 often to be seen on the ground in search of worms, which, 

 with various insects, are their most common objects of re- 

 quest as articles of food. 



The Stonechat begins to build early in April : the nest 

 is rather large for the size of the bird, and is usually 

 placed on or near the ground at the base of some low 

 bush ; the outside of a specimen now before me is con- 

 structed of moss and strong grass, lined with fine bents, 

 hairs, and a few small feathers. The female lays five or 

 six eggs, about the middle or during the third week of 

 April ; these are of a pale greyish blue, the larger end 



