The Wheatear 



and it is only during migration that he affects woodlands 

 and the more cultivated districts. As a rule the male birds 

 are the first to arrive, being followed in about a week or ten 

 days by the hens and less vigorous males. Having chosen 

 his mate, about the first or second week in April, he will 

 begin to look for a nesting-site, generally a little way down 

 a rabbit-burrow, or in moorland districts a hole or crevice 

 of a rock or stone wall will be chosen, but wherever placed 

 it will be secure from observation. The nest is loosely 

 built of grass, moss, rabbit fleck, fur, and feathers, or any 

 material that comes handy, and having laid six or seven 

 eggs of a uniform pale-blue colour the hen commences her 

 business of incubation, in which the cock takes no part. 

 He is, however, in constant attendance in the vicinity of 

 the nest, frequently uttering his apology for a song, which 

 consists merely of a few notes carelessly strung together, 

 singing apparently rather from exuberance of spirits than 

 because he really appreciates music, for often, as a spider or 

 other insect comes within his range of vision, he will sud- 

 denly break off his song, seize the tempting morsel, and fly 

 up again with his sharp " chack, chack." The nest is some- 

 what difficult to find, and as a rule can only be discovered 

 by watching the hen bird, who may be recognised by her 

 browner tints ; if, however, she suspects you of watching 

 her, she will refuse to return for some considerable time. 

 If you allow your attention to be diverted, she will seize 

 the opportunity to dart home, and your trouble will have 

 been in vain. With the wants, however, of six children 

 to attend to, she will betray less caution ; both parents 

 then look after the young, and they may be watched with 



23 



