Dull in colour and lacking in vocal ability, this bird makes up for these deficiencies by his tameness and fascinating ways. It does not reach this country till early in May, while in backward seasons it is the end of that month before the main bulk of them have arrived at their summer quarters. It is common throughout these islands, nesting in gardens and woods, and feeds entirely on small insects, which are invariably captured on the wing. The nest, which is placed against a tree, in ivy near a wall, or frequently on the beam in a verandah or outhouse, is composed entirely of moss loosely felted together with cobwebs and lichens, and is lined with horsehair and a few feathers. The eggs are bluish, mottled and spotted with rusty red spots. From its quiet ways and unobtrusive plumage they often escape observation, even in the vicinity of the nest, on which the female sits very closely. The cock, however, may often be seen on his favourite perch, generally a dead bough, or some wire railings, from which he darts down constantly to seize some unfortunate insect that has attracted his attention, after which he immediately returns to his perch to wait for more. When the young are hatched his time is fully occupied in catering for their wants, and we may miss him, or only see him for shorter periods, as it becomes increasingly necessary for him to keep on the move and find his food instead of waiting until the unsuspecting prey comes to him.

In July and August, however, when family cares are over, we shall see a good deal of this species; both old and young chasing insects from various exposed perches, and announcing the successful capture by a telling snap of the bill. Towards the end of August, long before lack of food or storms toll the knell of departing summer, they start on their long journey to the south; we may not have taken much notice of them while they were with us, but their departure leaves a gap, and we then realise the part they played in the picture of a summer’s garden.