The BLACK-CAPPED or PIED FLY-CATCHER (_Muscicapa atricapilla_) is five
inches long, and about eight inches and a half broad. The male bird is
deep grey, more or less clearly marked with black upon the entire upper
side; the brow, lower parts of the body, and a patch upon the wings are
white. The female is greyish brown above, and dirty white beneath; her
anterior wing-quills being blackish brown, whilst the undermost are
bordered with white; the three exterior tail-feathers are white upon
the outer web. The young are similar to the mother. Both sexes have
dark brown eyes, and black beaks and feet. This species is particularly
numerous in some parts of Germany, and usually makes its appearance in
England about April, leaving for more southern latitudes in September,
but it is by no means common in this country. A nest found by Mr.
Heysham, of Carlisle, contained eight eggs, one of which lay at the
bottom, whilst the rest were placed perpendicularly, in regular order
round the little apartment, the narrow end turned upwards and supported
against the sides of the wall.