The WHITE-TAILED WHEATEAR (_Dromolœa-Saxicola-leucura_) is about seven
inches and a quarter long, and eleven and three-quarters broad; the
wing measures three inches and two-thirds, and the tail two inches and
three-quarters. The plumage is of an uniform rich black; the wing-quills
are grey towards their roots, and a band of dazzling white adorns the
extremity of the tail. The female is deep brown, but similar to her mate
in appearance. The young male and female respectively resemble the father
and mother, but are paler. This species inhabits Southern Europe, and
almost invariably resorts to its most mountainous districts. In Spain it
is particularly numerous, and is also frequently seen in Southern Italy,
Greece, and North-western Africa. In the latter portion of the globe and
in Asia it is replaced by several nearly allied species. In all these
various regions it shows a decided preference for barren heights and
rocky precipices, and is as constantly met with on rugged peaks, at an
altitude of 500 feet above the sea, as upon the masses of dislodged stone
that strew the declivities of the mountains. The darker the colour of the
rock, the more dreary and desolate the situation, the more attractive it
appears to be, as the blackness of the stone accords well with the dusky
plumage of the birds, and renders concealment comparatively easy.
[Illustration: THE EARED STONE CHAT (_Saxicola aurita_).]
[Illustration: _Plate 17. Cassell's Book of Birds_
1. Curlew (_Numenius Arquata_).--2. Sandpiper (_Totanus Hypolencos_).--3.
Ringed Plover (_Charadrius Hiaticula_).--4. Dunlin (_Tringa
variabilis_)--5. Land Rail (_Crex pratensis_).--6. Water Hen (_Gallinula
chloropus_).--7. Lapwing (_Vanellus cristatus_).--8. Redshank (_Totanus
calidris_).--9. Godwit (_Limosa melanura_).--10. Coot (_Fulica
atra_).--11. Oyster Catcher (_Hæmatopus ostralegus_).--12. Rook (_Corvus
frugilegus_).--13. Magpie (_Pica caudata_).--14. Jay (_Garrulus
glandarius_).--15. Chough (_Fregilus graculus_).--16. Jackdaw (_Corvus
monedula_).]
Those who have ventured to scale the rugged heights and steep precipices
frequented by these birds, are often startled by the sound of their
clear, sweet voices, as they suddenly salute the ear in situations
apparently destitute of animal life, whilst those whose patience will
permit them to follow the sound until they come to the spot upon which
a pair have taken up their abode, will behold a performance that richly
repays the trouble of a tedious climb. Upon a ledge or platform of
rock he will see the male bird either tripping lightly around the open
space, or executing a regular dance, with wings and tail outspread,
accompanying the movements of his feet and body with a continuous flow
of song, and bowing his head repeatedly: this entertainment being
varied by rising suddenly into the air, and sinking again rapidly, with
open pinions, to the ground. Upon one occasion, whilst journeying over
the Sierra de los Anches, we came upon a pair of these birds, seated
near to a nest containing their unfledged young. The terrified female
immediately began flitting from rock to rock, while her mate at once
commenced dancing, tripping gracefully about, and singing with all his
power, as though with the idea of riveting our attention on himself, and
thus averting danger from his little family. We could not find it in our
hearts to render the wily stratagem abortive, so contented ourselves
with a hasty glance at the nest, and left the spot, followed by a loud
song of triumph and rejoicing from the anxious father. The nest, which
is placed in holes in the rock, is not commenced until the end of April
or beginning of May. The exterior is formed of fibres and grass, woven
firmly together, the interior being carefully lined with a layer of
goats' hair. The eggs are of a pale greenish blue, marked violet or
reddish, but their pattern is very variable; they are from four to six in
number: in Spain we have occasionally found as many as seven in a brood.
The young are reared upon insects, and are no sooner fledged than they
may be seen perching upon the rocks or stones, watching their parents as
they pursue flies or other insects destined to fill their craving beaks.
Meanwhile, should any unusual sight or sound attract the attention of the
vigilant father, he instantly warns his brood by a peculiar cry that they
must at once seek shelter in the neighbouring holes and fissures, and
recalls them with the same note when they may again venture forth. It is
only after the moulting season, which continues throughout July, August,
and September, that the young withdraw themselves from the protection
of their parents, in order to seek a mate and begin life on their own
account.
[Illustration: THE STONE THRUSH, OR ROCK WAGTAIL
(_Petrocincla-Turdus-saxatilis_).]
* * * * *
The STONE THRUSHES, or ROCK WAGTAILS (_Petrocincla_), are comparatively
large birds, recognisable by their slender body and strong, awl-shaped
beak, which is broad at its base; the upper mandible is slightly arched,
and curved at its tip; the tarsi are armed with very decidedly bent
claws; the wing is long, its third quill exceeding the rest in length,
while the tail is short, and almost straight at its extremity. The
plumage is smooth, bright-tinted, and sometimes much variegated.