ON THE BIRDS OF THE ISLE OF EIGG. 413 



(T. torquatus) leaves its haunts at Laig and Grulin, venturing in 

 search of some more dainty morsel than the rocky grounds 

 which it chiefly affects can afford. 



Wheatears {Saxicola amanthe) find secure nesting-quarters in 

 deserted rabbit-holes, and are everywhere very numerous ; many 

 broods of young Whinchats (Pratincola rubetra) enliven the hay- 

 fields early in July ; while the Stonechat (P. rubicola) frequents 

 heathered patches in the centre and west of the island, but only 

 in limited numbers. Around the doors may be seen the mottled 

 nestlings of the Redbreast (Erithacus rubecula), which has been 

 known to rear its young inside the house ; the nearest under- 

 growth of weeds holds a few pairs of Whitethroats (Sylvia 

 cinerea). The sharp cry of the Goldcrest (Regidus cristatus) 

 among the larches, recalls more than one dainty suspended nest ; 

 while family parties of the Willow Wren (Phylloscopus trochilus) 

 may be seen exploring the remotest coppices in the island, never 

 relaxing their vigilant search for the Aphides which form a large 

 portion of their subsistence. 



Beside a running brook are located one or two couples of 

 Sedge Warblers (Acrocephalus phragmitis), a species detected here 

 first in 1888 by A. H. M. Near here a pair or two of unobtrusive 

 Hedge Sparrows may be noticed prying for insects among the 

 fallen leaves ; and a short ramble thence conducts us to a burn, 

 often frequented by the Dipper (Cbidiis aquaticus). The fir 

 plantations re-echo the sibilant cry of the Coal Tit (Parus ater), 

 but are less attractive to the Blue Tit (P. caruleus), than sycamores 

 and the other smaller trees. The Wren (Troglodytes parvulus) is 

 quite as much at home in the loose crumbling dykes as on 

 heathery knolls and the mossy ledges of the rocks. The Pied 

 Wagtail (Motar.illa hujubvis) is a scarce bird in Eigg, though it is 

 far more plentiful than the Grey Wagtail (ill. melanope), a species 

 only observed once, in August, 1887. 



As early as May 22nd, we have found young Meadow Pipits 

 (Anthus pratensis) in the nest; along the shore this species is 

 replaced by the Rock Pipit (A. obscurus), of which the nestlings 

 are rare adepts in catching midges. A good many Spotted 

 Flycatchers (Muscicapa grisola) ply their calling on the skirts of 

 the plantations, all the more usefully since the Swallow (Hirundo 

 rustica) only occurs as a passing straggler. Some doubt 

 was once expressed as to the existence of the House Sparrow, 



