12 OUR SUMMER MIGRANTS, 



chat and other allied species in a separate 

 genus {Pratincola). It is doubtful, however, 

 whether these differences are sufficient to en- 

 title them to anything more than a specific 

 separation. 



The Whinchat perches much more than does 

 the Wheatear, and may be seen darting into the 

 air for insects, after the manner of a Flycatcher. 

 It derives its name, of course, from the fact of 

 its being found upon the whin, or furze, a 

 favourite perch also for its congener the Stone- 

 chat. The derivation of the word whin I have 

 never been able to ascertain. 



Although the two species are frequently con- 

 founded, the Whinchat m^-y be always distin- 

 guished from the Stonechat by its superciliary 

 white streak, by the lighter-coloured throat and 

 vent, and by the white bases of the three outer 

 tail feathers on each side. Both species make 

 a very similar nest, which is placed on the 

 ground and well concealed, and lay very similar 

 eggs, of a bright blue faintly speckled at the 

 large end with rust colour, 



