CHAPTER LY. 



The Spotted Fly-catcher. 



Muscicapa grisola, Lin. ; Le Gobe Mouclie, Buf. 



Description and Character. — This interesting and amusing 

 bird can scarcely be deemed handsome, but it is by no means a 

 despicable object to look upon, and displays a most confiding 

 and affable disposition. Much amusement may be derived from 

 watching the actions of this adroit little bird. On warm days 

 in summer it takes up its position on a pillar, gate post, or, it 

 may be, on the lower branch of a tree bordering on a thorough- 

 fare. From this 'vantage ground it may be observed to be 

 intently looking out for its natural prey, a winged insect — either 

 a butterfly, a moth, a common house fly, or, in fact, a fly of 

 any description. As soon as it espies one of these passing, 

 it suddenly leaves its retreat, dashes forward with much energy, 

 instantly secures it, and returns at once to the place selected as 

 a post of observation. Whilst thus occupied, it will permit the 

 near approach of any person, whose actions do not betray too 

 much curiosity or hostility, without showing the slightest 

 symptoms of alarm or dismay ; nor will such approach act as 

 a deterrent to it pursuing its avocation. It is rather interest- 

 ing, as well as astonishing, to watch this bird dart forth almost 

 every minute in pursuit of some winged object, and to notice 

 with what precision and dexterity it grasps its prize, especially 

 when it is considered that it will practise this sport or exercise 

 for half-an-hour or more without intermission, and always return 

 to the spot chosen as the scene of its operations. 



The length of a fully-grown specimen is 5 jin., of which the 



