STONECHAT. 
107 
1NCESSORES. SYLVIA DAE. 
DENTIROSTRES. 
STONECHAT. 
Saxicola rubicola. 
PLATE XXX. FIG. I. 
The Stonechat is much less common than either of 
the succeeding species ; it breeds, too, in places less fre¬ 
quented, on furze-covered commons and on heaths. The 
nest is placed on the ground, at the bottom of a furze or 
stunted thorn-bush, or amongst the heather ; it is com¬ 
posed principally of grass, with a small quantity of moss, 
hair, and a few feathers loosely put together; the eggs 
are five, or more commonly six in number, sometimes, 
though rarely„ seven ; they are readily distinguished from 
the spotted variety of the eggs of the whinchat, being 
much less blue, and more closely freckled throughout 
with light reddish-brown. The Stonechat breeds in May 
or June ; it is, however, very difficult to mention any 
particular date for the time of nidification of our smaller 
birds, as individuals of the same species are frequently 
building their nests, laying their eggs, sitting them, or 
feeding their young ones at the same time. In confirma¬ 
tion of this, Mr. A. Newton tells me that he has known 
nests of the Stonechat early in April, and has seen young 
ones scarcely able to fly at the end of August. 
