THE ISABELLINE WHEATEAR. 

 Saxicola isabellina (Ruppell). 

 Plate 3. 



Only four examples of this Wheatear have been taken in the British Islands, the 

 first shot at Allonby, in Cumberland, on nth November 1887, a second at Rye 

 Harbour, Sussex, 17th April 191 1, a third at the same place on 28th March 1912, 

 and the last on loth May 191 2, near St. Leonards-on-Sea. 



This is an Eastern species, ranging in summer from South-eastern Russia 

 across Asia to Northern China, wintering in Arabia and India, while it appears to 

 be resident in Egypt, and southwards to Abyssinia, as well as in Palestine and 

 Persia. 



The nest is usually placed underground in the empty burrow of some small 

 animal, and contains from four to six pale blue eggs. 



The Isabelline Wheatear frequents barren sand-covered regions, also bush- 

 covered slopes, and occasionally fir woods. It is said to have a powerful song, and 

 its food consists of insects. 



The female resembles the male, but is duller in colour. Although the Isabelline 

 Wheatear is very like the female of our Common Wheatear, it may be distinguished 

 by having a smaller patch of white at the base of the tail feathers. 



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