22 WARBLER. 



brown ; legs black. The female lias the top of the head, and back 

 cinereous grey ; chin white ; the rest as in the male, but less bright. 



The Redstart comes to us the beginning of April, and rarely stays 

 beyond the end of September ; it frequently approaches habitations, 

 and does not seem afraid of mankind ; yet the least derangement of 

 the eggs, or even looking at them, if the female is at all disturbed, 

 will cause her to forsake the nest, which is usually made in a hole of 

 a tree, or wall, where people are frequently passing by; it is com- 

 posed chiefly of moss, and lined with hair and feathers; the eggs are 

 four or five, not unlike those of the Hedge Sparrow, rather more 

 elongated, and of a paler blue. 



Its song is agreeable, but not strong, and if caught young, will 

 imitate the notes of other birds, frequently singing by night, as well 

 as in the day time ; the food is, for the most part, insects, flies, 

 spiders, ant eggs, &c. but, when brought up by hand, may be treated 

 as the Nightingale, and if intended to be kept in a cage must be 

 taken young, for it will by no means submit to confinement if 

 caught when old : the song of the Redstart is soft and short, superior 

 to, though somewhat like, that of the White throat. 



In respect to this kingdom, it affects the same parts as the Night- 

 ingale, not being found further north than Yorkshire, nor is it often 

 met with in Cornwall, and rarely west of Exeter, in Devonshire;* 

 nor are we certain that it is seen in Ireland. It wags the tail in a 

 singular manner, not up and down like the Wagtail, but sideways, 

 like a dog when he is pleased, f 



The Redstart is found in various parts of Europe, and, admitting 

 some Varieties, in Africa, as far as the Cape of Good Hope : we can 

 trace it to Gibraltar, but it comes late there, and in no great abun- 

 dance, and departs in autumn, not one remaining in the winter ; 

 though specimens have been received, shot in Barbary, and Algiers, 

 in January. 



* Orn. Diet. t Br. Zoo/. 



