44 SAXICOLIN.E. 



GENUS XX EUTICILLA (REDSTART). 



SPECIES 41 THE COMMON REDSTART. 

 Euticilla phcenicurus. Linn. 

 Bee fin de murailles. Temm. 



THIS elegantly formed species is one of extreme rarity in its 

 occurrence, and has only been obtained in three or four in- 

 stances in different localities on the island. 



Interesting in habits, and beautiful in plumage, it is a matter 

 of regret that it is not a companion with the many other sum- 

 mer visitants to our shores. 



Exhibiting a peculiarity in the horizontal motion of the 

 tail, many of its observers have disagreed in describing that 

 motion, whether it be horizontal or vertical. Its song is de- 

 scribed as being remarkably low, sweet, and mellow, and 

 uttered when perching on the projecting twig of some low 

 bush. When in confinement it is docile, and is occasionally 

 taught to whistle. One in the possession of Mr. Sweet went 

 through the Copenhagen waltz with admirable precision, 

 " only that it would sometimes stop in the middle of it and 

 say, c chipput,' a name by which it was generally called, and 

 which it would always repeat every time I entered the room 

 where it was, either by night or day." The nest is a large 

 clumsy structure, and the eggs average four or six, fine bluish- 

 green. 



Habitat Southern Europe. 



SPECIES 42 THE BLACK REDSTART. 



Ruticilla tithys. Linn. 

 Sec Jin rouge-queue. Temm. 



THE BLACK REDSTART possesses the same qualifications of 

 beauty, form, and plumage, which so much distinguish the 

 last species. Like it, also, it is of great rarity in occurrence, 

 having only been obtained in a few instances. Its habits, 

 song, and eggs, resemble those of the common redstart. 

 Habitat Southern Europe. 



