The Stonechat. 



325 



time with little intermission. It is a sort of thudding, mono- 

 tonous whistle, with scarcely any variation. When hand-reared, 

 and placed near a good singing bird, the Stonechat readily 

 acquires a pleasing song, which it sings loudly, almost con- 

 tinuously, and late at night. If it be accustomed to artificial 

 light, it will in a short time sing at all hours of the night. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — Select a three-year- 

 old bird, if possible, as at that time it will be in its most perfect 

 plumage. Choose a bird firm in feather, bright and clear in 

 colour, and with a brilliant white rump and neck markings. 

 The face and throat should be velvety black, the breast a 

 bright chestnut brown, and the wings distinctly spotted with 

 white. The bird chosen should be good in shape, in prime 

 condition, and perfectly free from any stains of dirt. The 

 wings, tail, and feet, must be in good order. 



General Remarks. — The Stonechat is a quiet, peaceable 

 bird, and thrives better in a cage than in an aviary. Like all 

 its tribe, it is difficult to keep in health and condition without a 

 frequent supply of insect food, cleanliness, and plenty of fine 

 gravel and sand. Old birds, caught in the open air, never do so 

 well as hand-reared, or even ensnared, young birds, as they are 

 difficult to reconcile to confinement. 



Stonechats that have been newly caught may be obtained 

 from birdcatchers or dealers for 2s. or 3s. each ; those that have 

 been reared by hand, and trained to sing under other birds, are 

 worth considerably more. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — Stonechats, like Whinchats, 

 are equally very liable to cramp and diarrhoea, and, if not 

 kept well supplied with insects and gravel, die of atrophy. 

 For treatment in case of illness, see Chapter V., on " Diseases." 



