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The Spotted Flycatcher. 



which are peculiar to a few species of insectivorous birds, 

 and serve to prevent insects from getting on the bill. The 

 female is slightly smaller than the male, but almost identical 

 in colour. 



The spotted Flycatcher constructs its nest of stems of 

 grass, horsehair, moss, lichens, feathers, and wool, in a hole 

 in a wall or tree, or in the fork of a tree, on beams in out- 

 houses, ledges of rocks, in fruit trees nailed to walls, and on 

 the stumps of trees. The eggs are usually five in number, 

 varying in colour from pale green to bluish-white, mottled 

 with rust-coloured streaks. Owing to its extraordinary 

 insectivorous propensities and its perfect harmlessness, 

 this little bird ought to be carefully protected and encour 

 aged to increase in numbers. 



