S P O T T E D F L Y C A T C H E R .
MU8CICAPA GRISOLA.
Tina is one of the latest of our migratory lords to make its appearance in tit'' spring, the middle of May (eleven
a week later) having usually arrived before ils accustomed haunt is taken possession of. The dale
of its departure is early, the nature of its food prohabh necessitating a move across the Channel before the
appearance of cold weather. It is seldom that one is observed after the beginning of October.
I n the south aud over most parts of England this quiet and unpretending, though somewhat conspicuous,
little bird may be found very generally distributed, though more or less plentiful in certain localities. In
Scotland it is to be met with in many districts, its numbers growing scarcer towards the north. I have now
aud then come across a pair or two in some of the extensive pine-forests of Inverness, and on a lew occasions
in Ross-shirc.
I n some parts ot the eastern counties I have found this species known to the natives by its familiar title
of " Wall-bird ;" in most districts in the south it also goes by the same name. It is frequently a matter of
no slight difficulty to make out the derivation of some local names; in this instance, however, the reason
is obvious. For nesting-purposes in these localities the Spotted Flycatcher generally resorts to a gardenwall,
a situation being chosen either where a cavity is formed by the loss of a portion of a brick, or where
sufficient space is allbrded oa the limb of some trained fruit-tree. It also occasionally places its nest on
the arm of a fir or some other forest tree.
Although in most parts of England Ibis species frequents gardens and plea sun-grounds, anil appears to
prefer the vicinity of dwellings, in some of the northern counties it may he met with iu the remotest districts.
As its uamc implies, it i.-aius its living by preying oa insect life. According to somo writers it i-, accused
of occasionally making inroads on the produce of the fruit-trees; I can, however, state nothing on this subject
from my own experience.