extend far east in Asia. Breeds as high north as lat. 67° in Norway. Many migrate in the winter to southern countries like the Song-Thrush.
Erithacus rubecula, Linn. Redbreast; "Robin."—Common in Switzerland and in Ireland. Much wilder in the former country.
General distribution.—Resembles the former species in its breeding distribution, but not extending east of Russia. Many migrate in winter as far south as Central Africa and Western Asia.
Ruticilla phœnicurus, Linn. Redstart.—Common in most parts of Switzerland, approaching close to human habitation. Very rare in Ireland. Has been found breeding in counties of Wicklow[1] and Tyrone.[2] Frequently taken at lighthouses when migrating in spring and autumn.[3]
General distribution.—In Europe from the North Cape to the south of the Continent, migrating in winter to the northern parts of Africa, Arabia, and Persia. The Asiatic form (R. mesoleuca) differs from the European species in that it possesses a white patch on the wing.
R. titys, Scop. Black Redstart.—Abundant in many parts of Switzerland, where it breeds. Rather rare, but regular winter visitor to Ireland.
General distribution.—Common in Germany and Southern Europe, where it is resident. Its eastern range extends to Asia Minor and Palestine; in winter to Nubia (Saunders).
Saxicola rubetra, Linn. Whinchat.—Plentiful in many parts of Switzerland, especially Chamonix, Davos Platz, Grindelwald, and Lucerne. In Ireland it occurs as a summer visitor, but rather scarce and local. According to Ussher[4] it breeds in Donegal, Antrim, Down, Armagh, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Longford, Louth, Dublin,[5] Kilkenny, Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim.
General distribution.-— Breeds over the greater part of the
- ↑ Benson on 'Irish Song Birds,' p. 53.
- ↑ R.J. Ussher, "Report on Breeding Range of Birds in Ireland" (Proc. Royal Irish Acad. 3rd series, vol. iii. No. 3).
- ↑ 'List of Irish Birds,' by A.G. More, p. 10.
- ↑ "Report on Breeding Range of Birds in Ireland" (Proc. Royal Irish Acad. 3rd series, vol. iii. No. 3).
- ↑ The authors have often observed this bird in Co. Dublin, and twice have secured specimens in nesting and adult plumage. These are in Dr. Patten's collection.
