The male Black Redstart may be immediately distinguished from the Common
Redstart by the black breast and belly, and by the absence of the white
mark on the forehead. The male Black Redstart has also a white patch on
the wing caused by the pale, nearly white, margins of the feathers. The
females are more alike, but still may easily be distinguished, the
general colour of the female Black Redstart being much duller--a dull
smoke-brown instead of the reddish brown of the Common Redstart.

Some slight variations of plumage take place in the Black Redstart at
different ages and seasons, which have led to some little difficulties,
and to another supposed species, _Ruticilla cairii_ of Gerbe being
suggested, but apparently quite without reason. I have never seen the
Black Redstart in the Islands at any time of year except the autumn, and
do not know of its occurrence at any other time.

Professor Ansted includes it in his list, but gives no locality; and
there is no specimen in the Museum.


32. STONECHAT. _Pratincola rubicola_, Linnaeus. French, "Tarier
rubicole," "Traquet pâtre," "Traquet rubicole."--The Stonechat is a
numerous and regular summer visitant, breeding in all the Islands, but I
do not think any remain throughout the winter; of course a few scattered
birds may occasionally do so in some sheltered locality, but I have
never seen one in the Islands as late as November. Both in the Vale and
on the Cliffs in the higher part of the Island the Stonechat is very
common, and the gay little bird, with its bright plumage and sprightly
manner, may be seen on the top of every furze bush, or on a conspicuous
twig in a hedge in the wilder parts of the Island, but is not so common
in the inland and more cultivated parts, being less frequently seen on