The BLACK-CAPPED REDSTART (_Ruticilla atra_ or _Ruticilla titys_) is
black upon the head, the back and lower part of the breast being grey.
The belly is whitish, the wings spotted with white; the feathers on
the wings, and those that form the tail, with the exception of two in
the centre, are yellowish red. Uniform deep grey predominates in the
coloration of the female and one year old male, the plumage of the latter
being marked with undulating black lines. The length of this species
is six, and its breadth ten inches. The wing measures three inches and
one-third, and the tail two inches and a half.
The Black-capped Redstart inhabits Europe, and is numerous in such parts
of the continent as are rocky or mountainous. In Switzerland it is not
uncommon to see these birds not only perching at a very considerable
altitude, but disporting themselves over the glaciers and beds of snow.
In marshy districts or low-lying valleys they are met with far less
frequently, and are much more numerous in the south of Europe than in
the northern portions. Though by no means social, this species exhibits
but little fear of man, and will take up its abode on the house-tops of
a crowded city, apparently quite undisturbed by the noise and bustle of
the streets. In disposition it is lively and restless, and from dawn to
long after sunset appears to be in a state of constant excitement and
activity. Like the Fly-catcher, it seizes its insect prey whilst upon
the wing, and performs a great variety of beautiful evolutions, as it
alternately soars and sinks through the air. Upon the ground it moves
with swiftness and ease, bowing its head repeatedly, and whisking its
tail whenever anything happens to attract its particular attention,
or when under the influence of emotion. The voice of the Black-capped
Redstart, though by no means beautiful, possesses great flexibility, and
is capable of imitating the songs of a great variety of other birds.
The nest, which is carelessly constructed of fibres, stalks, and grass,
and thickly lined with hair and feathers, is built upon rocks, in holes
of walls, under eaves of houses, or in similar situations. Hollow trees
are occasionally, but very rarely, employed for this purpose. The eggs
have a delicate, glossy, pure white shell, and are usually from five to
seven in number. Both parents labour equally in feeding and tending the
little family, but upon the female devolves almost the entire work of
brooding, the male only relieving her for about two hours at noon. As
many as three broods are sometimes produced in the course of a season.