THE WHEATEAR. 7 



waste lands, old quarries, sand hills, and downs 

 by the sea, and it is in these situations that we 

 may now look for him without much fear of 

 disappointment. Like all the chats, the Wheat- 

 ear is very terrestrial in its habits, seldom perch- 

 ing on trees, although often to be seen on gate- 

 posts and rails, where a broader footing is 

 afforded it. Its song is rather sprightly, and is 

 occasionally uttered on the wing. The contrast 

 between the spring and autumn plumage of this 

 bird is very remarkable. If an old bird be 

 examined in September, it will be found that 

 the white superciliary streak has almost dis- 

 appeared ; the colour of the upper parts has 

 become reddish brown ; the throat and breast 

 pale ferruginous, lighter on the flanks and 

 belly; while the primaries and tail at its ex- 

 tremity are much browner. On raising the 

 feathers of the back, it will be found that the 

 base of each feather is grey ; and in spring this 

 colour supersedes the brown of winter, which is 

 worn off, and the upper parts assume a beautiful 

 bluish grey, while the under parts become pure 



