232 BIRD-LIFE IN A SOUTHERN COUNTY. 



deeply stained with the red soil of the cliffs. The 

 spotted underparts, however, are said to be a con- 

 stant point of distinction. We should remark that 

 the two races are practically indistinguishable in 

 autumn and winter plumage. 



Another very interesting bird that frequents 

 the rocky coast of South Devonshire from Teign- 

 mouth to Plymouth is the Black Redstart. This 

 district must be regarded as quite one of the winter 

 resorts of the species, and it may be met with here 

 and there singly or in pairs in certain recognised 

 resorts. This bird is much overlooked and thought 

 to be rarer than is actually the case. In the first 

 place, it is a shy and retiring creature, delighting to 

 conceal itself the moment it is alarmed ; and in the 

 second place, observers at least competent ones 

 are by no means plentiful along the rock-bound 

 coast in winter time. Below Berry Head and the 

 sheltered range of cliffs where the Jackdaws breed 

 at Goodrington may be mentioned as two pretty 

 safe localities for a "find" between October and 

 April. We have also seen this species about 

 Hope's Nose; but its favourite haunts are broken 

 cliffs with a south aspect, where insects may be 

 obtained all the winter through. It is a thorough 



