FLYCATCHER. PASSERES. MUSCICAPA. 149 
polar migration ; and the following fact goes far towards con- 
firming this supposition. In May 1822, after a very severe 
storm of wind and rain from the south-east, several of these 
birds made their appearance in Northumberland, and I pro- 
cured specimens of both sexes, the males being in different 
states of progress towards the summer’s plumage. As the 
weather continued cold for some days subsequent to their ap- 
pearance, they were obliged to resort to dunghils, and other 
warm situations, for a supply of their natural food. After 
remaining for about a fortnight to recruit their strength (for 
at first they exhibited great weakness), they all disappeared ; 
nor could I ascertain that a single pair remained in that neigh- 
bourhood during the season of incubation. 
Their manners, flight, and method of catching their prey, 
were similar to the preceding species ; and they were general- 
ly mute. 
The West Riding of Yorkshire appears to be a district in Locality. 
which the Pied Flycatcher is oftener met with than in any 
- other part of the island.—It breeds there in the holes of de- Nest, &c. 
cayed trees, forming a nest of leaves, bark, and hay, lined 
with hair and feathers. ‘The eggs are four or five in number, 
of a pale greenish-blue colour. I have also seen specimens 
from Dorsetshire. 
According to ‘TemmiIncx, it is very abundant in the sou- 
thern provinces of Europe, and along the coasts of the Medi- 
terrannean ; is found in the central parts of France and Ger- 
many; and is also common in Italy. 
Puate 43*. Fig. 2. Natural size. A male bird, in the 
summer plumage. 
Head, and upper parts of the body black, forehead and un- General 
. descrip- 
der parts pure white. Bie, 
Wings brownish-black, the middle and greater coverts white. Male Bird. 
In the old males, the feathers of the tail are entirely 
black; in younger birds, the outer feathers have more 
or Jess white on them. 
