PERCHING BIRDS. 49 



spots as the other species, but differ somewhat in the 

 ground colour, which is in some cases tinted with blue. 



I am able to include both the pied and spotted fly- 

 catchers in my list. The former (Mu-sicapa luctuosa) 

 I had the pleasure of first seeing at the end of April, 

 1854, though only for a few minutes. I imagine from 

 the early period of its appearance that it must have been 

 merely en route to those more northern counties which 

 appear to be its strongholds. It was perched on a pro- 

 jecting stake in a hedge by the roadside, a little way out 

 of the village, and it immediately attracted my atten- 

 tion by its active movements as well as by its rarity. 

 The morning was genial and sunny, and the bird, a male, 

 was catching flies most vigorously, as if it had not pre- 

 viously broken its fast, springing from its perch into the 

 air and again returning, at the same time uttering in a 

 very decisive manner a short note resembling " chuck." 

 For a few minutes I watched its motions with great in- 

 terest, when it became alarmed at my presence and flew 

 away. I should not be surprised to find this species 

 breeding with us ; we have many spots which are exactly 

 suited to its habits, and it is found in both the adjoining 

 counties of Derbyshire and Yorkshire ; but at present I 

 only know it as a visitor. 



I have since met with the Pied Flycatcher several 

 times in the forest, and I hope my anticipations as to its 

 breeding may be realized. Mr. Wells of Cockglode 

 has killed several of them in Birklaud. 



The Spotted Flycatcher (M. grisola) is very plentiful, 

 but is comparatively rarely seen in the forest until after 

 its young brood are able to fly. The gardens around the 

 village and the meadows along the margin of the stream 

 are its principal resorts, the latter especially so. The 



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