PIED FLYCATCHER. 



331 



and the white of the underparts is irregularly spotted with blackish brown. 

 After the autumn moult, the upper parts of the male are brownish instead 

 of black, the white patch on the forehead is obscured, and the underparts 

 are washed on the breast and flanks with buff. 



The \Yhite-collared Flycatcher [Muscicapa collaris) was included in 

 the British avifauna by the late Mr. Gould, who saw a specimen in the 

 flesh in the possession of Mr. Leadbeater ; but he knew no particulars 

 concerning it. As this is the only evidence on which the bird's claim to 

 rank as a British species rests, it is certainly premature and inadvisable to 

 include it in our lists. It is found in company with the Pied Flycatcher 

 throughout most parts of South Europe, and differs from it in having the 

 white spot on the forehead much more developed and the white sides of the 

 neck meeting on the nape and forming a white collar. The Pied Fly- 

 catcher does not appear to have any other very near ally. 



