356 



BRITISH BIRDS. 



are most conspicuous, becoming nearly black on the head, wing-coverts, 

 and innermost secondaries, and disappear altogether on the rump, which 

 is very tawny. The eye-stripe is very distinct, buffish white, but does not 

 extend to the nape. The underparts are buffish white, darkest on the 

 breast and flanks. After the autumn moult the eye-stripe and the under- 

 parts are still more suffused with buff. After both moults, but especially 

 in spring, the whitish tips to the quills are very conspicuous ; but these 

 are soon lost by abrasion. Bill dark brown above, pale below; legs, feet, 

 and claws pale brown ; irides hazel. 



