FL YCA TCHERS. 139 



FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS, AND 

 BEE-EATER, 



nnHE Flycatchers, which occupy the first place in our present group, 

 are the only British representatives of the Myiotherince, an extensive 

 family, of which species are found in all parts of the world. They 

 belong to the genus Muscicapa, and, as their name indicates, subsist 

 entirely on the flies and other insects so abundant in the summer 

 months, during wnich they are our visitors. These they usually pursue 

 on the wing, darting from the top rail of a fence or other elevated 

 station, and returning thereto after each capture. They are of sombre 

 plumage and slender build, with tails and bills of moderate length, 

 and longish wings. When at rest they have a rather dull and languid 

 appearance, but their flight is rapid, light, and graceful. Their nests 

 are of moderate size, neatly constructed of straws, grass, moss, and 

 similar materials, and lined with hair or feathers. 



The Swift is remarkable for the conformation of its feet, all the 

 toes being pointed forward, and the claws turned inward, in such a 

 manner as to adapt them for clinging, while rendering them unsuitable 

 for walking on a flat surface. This peculiarity has caused some authors 

 to place the bird in %, distinct family, but it is usually included in 

 the HirundincB with the Common Swallow and the Martins, which it 

 otherwise closely resembles. The members of the Swallow tribe are 

 so numerous and widely distributed, that almost everybody is able to 



