46 
SYLVIAD.E, 
proaclies. If followed, it takes fliglit, and skimming near 
the ground, again alights similarly upon the top of another 
bush a little in advance of the pursuer. Although usually 
shy, and flying from the approach of man, these little birds, 
during the time when they have young, either in the nest 
or just able to fly, are very fearless whenever their nest is 
approached, flying round and round the intruder, apparently 
in great agitation ; it is, however, difficult to ascertain behind 
which bush or clod their treasure is secreted, as they are 
careful not to betray it by alighting upon the spot; we 
have frequently, on such occasions, sought for it in vain, 
although, from the restlessness and distress of the parent 
birds, we were quite certain that the little ones were not 
far off. 
The form of this little bird is elegant, and the plumage 
of the adult male in spring is prettily varied with black- 
white, grey, and pale rufous : the dark horizontal line through 
the eye, the white streak above it, and the white spaces upon 
the basal half of the tail-feathers, are sufficient marks to 
render it readily distinguishable by even the inexperienced 
observer. 
The food of this species, in a natural state, is almost en¬ 
tirely insects, such as flies, bees, beetles, caterpillars, &c., 
some of which are taken by darting upon them from a bush 
or bank, others are sought for and pursued upon the ground, 
which they traverse with lightness and celerity. 
Arriving so late in this country, and departing propor- 
tionably early, it is probable that only one brood of nest¬ 
lings is reared by the Whinchat during the year, although 
we have found its nest and eggs as early as the 17th of 
May. The nest of this species is usually built on or near 
the ground, either in the thick branches of a tuft of heath 
or furze, or among tall herbage, or concealed behind a clod of 
earth. Its component parts differ according to the locality 
