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THE PIED FLYCATCHER. 

 (Muscicapa atricapilla.) 



THE male Pied Flycatcher is so strikingly marked a 

 bird that he is almost dazzling to the eye. Yet he is 

 only in black and white, but his markings are very 

 decided. The female is more quietly feathered, the 

 frontlet, wing-patches and under parts are a buffish- 

 white, whilst her upper parts are olive-green. The bill 

 is just like that of its congener already described. The 

 nest is made in a hole in some tree, of. dry grass, moss 

 and rootlets with a lining of hair. 



This species prefers warmer districts, where it remains 

 chiefly in leafy woods. The bird is a charming little 

 object as it disports itself amongst the young green of 

 oak and beech woods. When on the lookout for its prey 

 it prefers to perch on some old withered tree branch. 

 And so gentle and small it looks one would not dream 

 of its injuring a fly. Yet, for the great benefit of the 

 woods, it is keen in pursuit of flies, gnats and other 

 " small deer." It will agitate its little wings in front 

 of the larger hollows in old trees, so as to create a slight 

 wind which will rouse and bring out lurking insects to 

 become the prey of this disturber of their peace. In the 

 high beech woods this Flycatcher pounces on the little 

 insects that play in the rays of sunlight that filter through 

 the openings between the branches. A beautiful bird 

 this and well deserving protection. 



In Great Britain this species is far less numerous than 

 its congener. It is, however, a regular visitor to some 

 of our counties. Its song is like that of the Redstart. 



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