42 BIRDS OF MIDDLESEX. 



I have observed this species in November and 

 February. But with regard to the Whinchat, I 

 believe that this species leaves us in September 

 until the following April. I once saw a Whinchat 

 on September 19, but this is the latest stay for the 

 species which I have noted. This bird has rather a 

 pleasant, although not very varied song, which it 

 generally utters from the top of a spray or low 

 bough of a tree. Its alarm-note is a double note, 

 so given as to sound almost like one, and is followed 

 by the sound " chook, chook." 



WHEATEAE, Saxicola cenanthe. Eeniains with us 

 about six months in the year, from the middle of 

 March to the middle of September. The Wheatear 

 may be known at any distance by its peculiar motion 

 on the ground running instead of hopping, stopping 

 suddenly when at full speed to pick up an insect, 

 and flirting the tail up and down. The white rump 

 is very conspicuous, and affords a good mark of 

 distinction when the bird flies. Its favourite haunts 

 are old gravel and chalk pits, and, above all, rabbit- 

 warrens, where it makes its nest in a deserted burrow. 



After the annual moult, which follows the breeding 

 season, the plumage becomes very different. In 

 few other birds, perhaps, is there so complete a 

 change. The old males turn from bright bluish 

 grey above to dull brown ; in this respect in their 

 winter plumage approaching in colour to the females 

 in summer dress, while the latter, as the season 



