REDSTART. 
73 
fruits. Bechstein cautions bird-fanciers against giving them 
earth-worms, as they are hurtful to them when caged ; but, 
according to Sweet, they are fond of common maggots and 
meal-Avorms. 
This delicate bird penetrates as far towards the north as 
Siberia, and is found eastAvard to Japan; in all intermediate 
countries, Ave may presume, it is also to be met with in 
suitable localities, but it is nowhere very numerous or com¬ 
mon. It is said to be heard in Germany as early as the end 
of March, some weeks before the usual period of its arrival 
here, which agrees with our supposition before mentioned, 
that the greater part of our migratory AAnrblers, which pass 
nortliAvard in spring from Africa, first penetrate through the 
valleys of the Rhone and the Rhine to the heart of Europe, 
and thence disperse in all directions, Avhere the climate, and 
the necessary supplies of food, invite them. With us this 
bii-d is seldom seen before the second or third Aveek in April, 
and begins its southward passage again in August, or Sept¬ 
ember. 
Towards autumn these birds may be seen, accompanied by 
their young family, but it is the general impression that the 
young members of this species, and of other small birds, do 
not migrate wdth the adult, the parents preceding the young 
birds by a week or two. 
This bird appears more common in the eastern than the 
western parts of England. In Suffolk, Ave have observed 
it to be tolerably common, but it is less so in Surrey and 
Middlesex, although, in both counties, we have seen it in 
villages and roadside hedges, and also in a retired and beau¬ 
tiful acclivity, covered Avith trees, Avhich rises from the banks 
of the river Mole. 
The chief distinguishing characters of the genus Phoenicura 
are : “ bill slender, as broad as high at the base; rictus nearly 
smooth ; tarsi moderate ; Avings rather long, the third and 
