126 The Redstart. 
a aaa a a 

perched on a tree, or when settling from its flight, 
the rapid movement of its tail, shown by three or four 
shakes in quick succession, continues, very often accom- 
panied with its call-note, which consists of two notes, 
the first a higher tone than the second. About the 
latter end of September these birds retire southwards. 
Their food consists of worms, eggs of ants, and insects 
of various kinds: in catching the latter they show great 
activity. The female Redstart is often mistaken for 
the nightingale by inexperienced observers, When 
on the wing there is a slight resemblance to that bird, 
as the colour of its tail shows very much like the latter, 
but when size and actions are observed, there is a 
difference. 
These birds generally do not do well ina captured 
state, as they can hardly receive everything suited to 
their nature; and if success has been known in a few 
GASES! Nts Very rarely to be met with, as they seldom © 
or ever live long, being subject to fits, dysentery, and 
other complaints when kept in cages. : 
On the African shores of the Mediterranean these 
birds are very common. In France, the Redstarts 
