THE RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER. 

 Muscicapa parva, Bechstein. 

 Plate 14. 



This little bird, which in colour much resembles a Robin, occasionally reaches 

 our islands while migrating. 



The first example obtained was shot near Falmouth in January 1863. 



It is found during summer over a great part of Central and Southern Europe, 

 ranging eastwards to Siberia, and wintering in Africa and India. 



The nest, placed in a hole in a tree, is built of moss and lichen, and lined with 

 grass and hair. It contains from five to seven eggs, in ground colour a pale bluish- 

 green, speckled with reddish-brown. 



It is said to be fond of shady woods where beech and fir abound, and in its 

 habits is active and restless. 



This Flycatcher has a pleasing song, and, like its relations, captures flies and 

 other insects on the wing. 



The female has the breast reddish-buff, and lacks the bluish-grey on the sides 

 of the head, which contrasts so well with the reddish-orange on the breast of 

 the male. 



96 



