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NEST AND EGGS OF THE WHEAT-EAR, 



PLATE LXXVI, 



The Wheat-ear builds its nest in some wall or rock 

 which faces the south, and is earthed upon the north 

 side. The nest now lying by me, is loosely composed 

 of straw, grass, and rushes ; with here and there a little 

 wool or moss intermixed. The lining consists of the 

 same stuff, with more wool, and sometimes a few 

 feathers. The nest is loosely made, and almost flat, 

 having but a very shallow cavity. The eggs are five 

 or six, of a longish figure, a pale blue colour, and un- 

 spotted. 



These birds come to us in April ; breed here, and 

 return with their young in September. 



