THE SAXICOLINiE, OR STONECHATS. 107 
yellowish, and reddish-browns, while white is 
often very conspicuous about the rump and tail, 
and is sometimes strongly contrasted with black, 
or some dark tint on those parts. In most coun- 
tries we believe the species are migratory, or 
partially so ; and the plumage undergoes a change 
during the breeding season to very dark brown 
or black in those parts which, in their general 
dress, exhibit the deepest shades. The food is 
chiefly insectivorous, it is taken from the ground, 
very seldom during flight; and thus it is that we 
always see the birds occupying the summit of a 
tall plant, the topmost twig of a bush, or the top 
of a stake or railing, whence they can survey 
the ground around them, and make a dart on 
such insects as come within their view. Two of 
our species migrate, appearing in spring, and dis- 
appearing again about the same period with our 
other summer visitants. The third species 
migrates only partially, a few pairs remaining 
stationary on the moors or commons during 
winter. Their nidification is on the ground, in 
holes, or at the root of some low bush, the colour 
of the eggs green, or bluish-green. 
Saxicola, Bechstein. — Bill straight, advancing 
on the forehead, dilated at the base, slightly 
bent at the tip, faintly but distinctly notched ; 
rictus furnished with weak bristles; wings 
moderate ; first quill very short, third, fourth, 
and fifth equal and longest ; tail even, or 
slightly rounded ; tarsi long, lateral toes 
slightly unequal, claws weak. 
Note. — Europe, Asia, Africa, New Holland. 
