6 CLASS AVES. 



» 

 movement has been compared to that of the clapper of a mill, 

 from which its French name is taken. 



According to BufFon, its cry resembles the word ouistrata, 

 frequently repeated, but Dr. Latham thinks that it is more like 

 the clicking of stones together, whence, probably, its English 

 name. 



This bird is of a solitary character, being always alone, 

 except during the season of love. It migrates, and arrives 

 in spring alone ; it quits this part of Europe in autumn, 

 usually in September ; though if the season be mild it remains 

 longer, and has been seen in France in December. As soon 

 as t has chosen a companion, the couple proceed to the con- 

 struction of the nest, which is placed at the foot of a bush 

 under the roots, or under the covert of a stone, and tolerably 

 deep in the earth. This nest is concealed so well, that it is 

 very difficult to find it, which difiiculty is much increased by 

 the many circuits which the bird makes before entering, or 

 after departing. If it wants to enter, it always first crosses 

 different bushes, and when it comes forth it threads cautiously 

 through the brambles, to some distance ; so that when we see 

 this bird with a worm or insect in the bill for the young 

 ones, enter a particular bush, it is not there that we must 

 look for the nest, but at the foot of some neighbouring bushes. 



The eggs are from five to six, of a greenish white, with 

 some spots of reddish-yellow. The little ones are bom 

 covered with down. The parents feed them with worms and 

 insects, which constitute their habitual aliment. Their solici- 

 tude is so great that they never cease to cry when they are 

 approached ; this even seems to increase when the young ones 

 quit the nest ; they call and cry to them continually, and 

 never quit them until they are entirely capable of providing 

 for themselves. 



This species is extended throughout Europe, from England 

 and Scotland, to Italy and Greece. It is even found farther 

 north, and is said to have been seen in Siberia. The flesh in 



