STONECHAT. 269 



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 request 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 



