THE REDSTART. 



(Ruticilla phoenicurus.) 



This pretty and very useful bird quickly attracts notice 

 in our gardens by its lively disposition. When it flies 

 the tail spreads out, and then, when the bird settles again 

 on any post or ledge the tail moves in a quick, tremulous 

 way that is most amusing. 



It usually perceives the creeping and flying beetles on 

 the grass borders from a higher point above them ; the 

 former it picks up, the latter it swallows on the wing, 

 twisting and turning about as circumstances require. It 

 lives on all kinds of grubs and insects, and hence its 

 great use in wood and garden. In autumn it takes the 

 berries from the bushes, but without doing any mischief. 

 Its mating call sounds like " F id-fid- fid-tik-tik-tik," and 

 also " Weet, weet, tak-tak, and ends with a smacking 

 sound. In some places in Hungary the bee-keepers are 

 great enemies of this charming little bird, believing that 

 it steals their honey. This is not true, however, for it 

 only catches the drones, which have no sting, takes the 

 rejected, spoiled larvae, and the destructive wax-mite. 

 From its usefulness it is worthy of all protection, and it 

 a joy for heart and mind. 



To us also in Great Britain where this species is 

 generally distributed it is a joy, and in orchards its 

 presence is most welcome. The red about the tail shows 

 brightly as the bird darts from branch to branch. 

 I have watched it myself where a nesting box has been 

 put up for its use in an apple tree, until the little pair 

 became quite used to my presence and to watch their 

 pretty, affectionate ways was delightful. In speaking of 



