2 
WlIEATEAll. 
bushes.” Such contradictory statements doubtless arise from the fact that two forms of AVheatear frequent 
the British Islands. In addition to the bird that arrives on our coasts in March and early in April, a 
larger variety makes its appearance at a somewhat later date. This form is seldom seen before the middle of 
April, and continues to land till the end of the first or second week in May *. It is perfectly correct that 
the common AVbeatear seldom, if ever, perches on trees or bushes, though the laige foim if distuibed usually 
makes its way to a commanding position, eitlier on a twig, on a hedgerow, or even on the topmost branches 
of some lofty tree. I have repeatedly remarked this habit in the vicinity of the south coast, as well as on 
the downs, and also on the moors in the Highlands. In Grlenlyon, in lerthshiie, I caiefully natched this 
form in the first week in June. A pair or two frequented a steep hill-side, where I imagined they must be 
engaged in nesting-operations. M hen closely approached they almost invariably letreated to the uppei 
branches of a clump of tall spreading beech trees. As these birds entirely disappeared after the 5tli or 6th 
of the month, I came to the conclusion they had passed on towards more northern breeding-quarters. With 
regard to the nesting of this form or variety within the limits of the British Islands, I can only state from 
personal observation that I have not clearly ascertained a single instance. Though a considerable amount 
of time was spent in many parts of the country, I never succeeded in discovering the nest of the large 
Wheatear ; I have, however, been assured, by persons well acquainted with the variety, that these birds 
breed on the South Downs at times, in rabbit-burrows, after the fashion of their smaller relatives. The 
eggs are described as being slightly marked with rusty blotches or spots. This information concerning 
their nesting I give for what it is worth, my own opinion being that this form only passes over the 
British Islands on its way to the far north. According to my own experience, there is little or no difference 
between the two forms, with the exception of size. I have never been guilty of slaughtering any great 
numbers for the sake of comparison; but after a careful examination of several fresh-killed specimens of 
both forms, I consider the larger seldom attain a state of plumage where the tints are so clearly or brightly 
defined as on a few of the earlier arrivals of the smaller race. I liavc frequently remarked that the first 
Wheatears met with along the south coast at the commencement of their migration exhibit the most 
conspicuous colouring. With regard to the habits of the two forms, they may be described as similar, 
with the exception of the far later date at whicli the larger form reaches our shores, and its predilection 
for perching on bushes or trees. 
A male of each form is depicted in the Plate, figured side by side in order to convey an idea of the 
relative sizes. The smaller specimen, shown on a fragment of drift wreckage, was obtained during the 
first week in April ; the larger bixxl a month later, shortly after his arrival on our shores. As the Plate 
represents the two forms life-size, any description is rendered unnecessary. 
The nestling-plumage of the Wheatear is dull and far less showy than the dress of the adults ; a 
short inspection, however, of the actions of the juveniles, as well as the conspicuous white bar across the 
tail, Avould speedily convince those who are not thoroughly acquainted with the species in all its variations 
that they are undoubted chips of the old block. Before the movement towards the south is commenced, 
the young have completely assumed their autumn dress, and at a short distance can scarcely be distinguished 
from the old birds. 
Considerable numbers of Wheatears must at times pass over the North Sea. "While conversing with 
* I find in my notes that a specimen shot on the beach near Shoreham on the 5th of May, 1880, was encumbered by a gigantic parasite 
firmly fixed to its throat. The bird had evidently only just landed on our coast ; and the insect must have been treated to a free passage across 
the channel. As this repulsive monstrosity differed considerably both in appearance and size from the insects that infest our ffocks and herds, 
it is a pity it did not occur to me at the moment to forward the specimen for identification ; it might possibly have been discovered to belong 
to some foreign form, and the winter range of the bird might in this manner have been decided. 
