WH INCHAT. 
45 
lySESSORES. 
DENTIROSTRES. SYL VIA DM. 
PLATE LV. 
WHINCHAT. 
Saxicola rubetra. 
The arrival of tins shy and timid bird in onr country 
seldom takes place until nearly a month later than that of 
many of our summer visitors. According to the information 
of a friend, curious in such observations, its appearance on 
the coast of Suffolk varies from the 18th of April to the 
6th of May, according to the season. 
Whinchats are found dispersed generally, but not very 
abundantly, upon upland heaths and commons, and delight 
in warm, still, dry weather ; but usually remain concealed 
in some sheltered spot, if the temperature is low, or the wind 
boisterous. They are more impatient of cold than many of 
our summer migrants; this is apparent by their late arrival, 
which is several weeks after the spring passage of the previous 
species, the wheatear. 
In its actions this bird is light and graceful in a great 
degree. It perches usually upon the uppermost branches 
of the whin and furze bushes, and other low shrubs, with 
which the spots most frequented by it abound : in such a 
conspicuous situation it may be observed, seated for many 
minutes at a time, quite motionless, except when the head 
is turned to the right or left from time to time to watch 
for its insect f<jod, or to observe whether any danger ap- 
VOL. II. 
E 
