Red-breasted Flycatcher

Muscicapidae

Apr 28

Ficedula parva (Bechstein, 1792) (133, 94)

Photo © Phil Woollen - Grutness, Mainland, Shetland, 23 September 2024

STATUS

Western and Central Palearctic. Monotypic.

OVERVIEW

Annual migrants arrive in some numbers from early August through to mid-November, with a much smaller spring passage during mid-April into June. A handful of December records exist up and till 2016.

RECORDS

1). 1863 Cornwall Constantine parish, near Falmouth, two, one shot, 24th January.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1863: 8444-45; G. R. Gray, Annals & Magazine of Natural History 11: 228-229; E. H. Rodd, Field 21st Feb., 1863: 179; Newman, 1866; Harting, 1877, 1880; Penhallurick, 1978).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1863) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXI. pp. 8444-45, undated, says: 'The following communication, which I received from Mr. Gould, enables me to add the above interesting and (to Western Europe) rare species to our Cornish list of birds: - "Strange to say, on the very day I visited Falmouth one of the rarest of European birds was shot for the first time in Great Britain, and, it being killed in Cornwall, I thought you would like to know something about it. The bird in question is Muscicapa parva, and you will find figures of it in part 14 of my Birds of Europe, which you have in the Penzance Museum. The plates will at once give you an idea of this pretty species (a robin amongst the flycatchers). I certainly never expected this singular bird to have added to our Fauna.

This occasional lateral migration of birds is very singular; the proper home of the species is Western India or the eastern parts of Europe. The specimen was sent in the flesh to Dr. Gray, of the British Museum, and in this state I had it in my hands, so that there is no mistake about it. The bird was in good condition, thanks to your genial climate. The bird was shot on the 24th January, by Mr. Copeland of Carwythenack House in the parish of Constantine, near Falmouth and is a female.

Unfortunately, the specimen was placed in some insecure place, and the head was eaten by mice or rats, so that the body alone was sent to the Museum. If you write to Mr. Copeland, ask him to look out for the male, which will have a red breast". I wrote at once to Mr. Copeland and I received from him the following remarks: "The little flycatcher alluded to we observed some days before it was shot. Its habits were interesting, taking a great deal the character of our summer visitor.

We first observed it on a dead holly tree; this tree and the ground around the house were its favourite resort. It was particularly active, skimming the grass to within about a foot, then perching itself, darted occasionally with a toss, resting either on a shrub or wire fencing. There is another in the neighbourhood, for which a vigilant watch will be kept. I saw it a few days back in a plantation which is four hundred yards from my house. Should I be fortunate to capture it, you shall have due notice. I am unable to offer you any particulars of this valuable fact, except second-hand; but no doubt, upon the two authorities I have quoted, you will find pleasure in giving the visit of this new British bird a place in The Zoologist".'

G. R. Gray (1863) in the Annals & Magazine of Natural History, Vol. XI. pp. 228-229, says: 'An imperfect specimen of a bird in the flesh has been received from G. A. Copeland, Esq., of Carwythenack House, Constantine, near Falmouth, who informed me that it was shot, while resting on the house, on Saturday the 24th of January last. Its imperfectness, Mr. Copeland tells me, was occasioned by mice having carried off the head.

The rest of the bird, however, was in a sufficient state of completeness for me to prove its identity with the Red-breasted Flycatcher, Muscicapa parva, Bechst. I believe this example is the first of that species which has been obtained in this country. I have therefore thought that a notice of the capture of so remarkable an insectorial bird at this season of the year might interest some of the readers of the Annals, and have therefore sent it for insertion.'

Edward Hearle Rodd of Penzance (1863) in The Field, of 21st Feb., Vol. XXI. p. 179, dated 9th February, says: 'This new addition to the fauna of Great Britain was captured in the parish of Constantine, near Falmouth, Cornwall, on the 23rd ult., by Mr. Copeland, of Carwythenack House, in that parish. The fact was kindly communicated to me by Mr. Gould, who examined the bird (Muscicapa parva) in the flesh, it having been forwarded to Mr. Gray at the British Museum.

The specimen is a female, and those who can have access to Mr. Gould's Birds of Europe will find a good representation of the adult male and the young bird in No. 14, Plate (I think) 15. At first sight it has a very strong resemblance to our familiar Robin, but the distribution of the colours is different on a minute inspection; besides which it is a much smaller bird, and the basal parts of the tail feathers are white, which in our Redbreast are uniform olive.'

Penhallurick (1978: 278) adds: 'Horace Copeland of Carwythenack near Constantine.'

3). 1863 Isles of Scilly Abbey Gardens, Tresco, first-winter, killed, 16th October.

(E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1863: 8841, 8848; J. Gould & E. R. Rodd, Ibis 1864: 130-131; Newman, 1866; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 249; Penhallurick, 1978).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1863) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXI. p. 8841, dated 21st October, 1863, says: 'Amongst the various arrivals of different birds, in their migratorial movement at this season of the year at Scilly, flycatchers were observed on Friday last, three of which were captured, one of them from its smaller size being taken for a Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita. The four outer semi-white tail-feathers arrested the attention of my nephew (F. R. Rodd) and Mr. A. Pechell, who were the captors, and they were sent over here for my inspection.

The little bird, from the description my nephew gave before I saw it, led me to believe it would prove a second specimen of the Muscicapa parva. He writes: - "Pechell has sent three little birds to be preserved, and we want your opinion about them. Two, we think, are young Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca; the third seems to be something like a Chiffchaff, but the tail is not right, and the white feathers seem odd. I think they are young. The actions of the bird with the white tail were those of a flycatcher. On examining this third and small bird, it proved to be the Red-breasted Flycatcher. The sides of the breast are tinged with buff-brown, which colour is perceptible across the breast. The chin and middle parts of the breast and belly white, not quite pure. The four outer tail-feathers with their basal halves irregularly white, leaving the tips to the extent of two-thirds of an inch brown. I venture an opinion that this is an immature male bird.'

Further, p. 8848, Rodd, adds: 'In a concurrent letter with my nephew's he [Augustus Pechell] writes me: "I am very glad to hear that the small bird turned out to be so valuable one - Muscicapa parva - but am grieved that it should have been so damaged by the shot. I am glad Gould will see it before it runs the risk of dropping to pieces. I hope, however, that Vingoe will make it worthy of a place among your flycatchers on its return".'

J. Gould (1864) in The Ibis, Vol. VI. p. 130, in a Letter, says: 'I have just received from my friend Ed. Hearle Rodd, Esq., of Penzance, the following letter relating to the capture of a second species of Muscicapa parva; and conceiving this communication worthy of a place in The Ibis, I forward it for insertion in the next Number. The specimen appears to be a male of the year, which might or might not have been bred in our island.'

E. R. Rodd (1864) in The Ibis, Vol. VI. pp. 130-131, in a Letter to Mr. Gould, says: 'You were kind enough to make a very early communication to me respecting the capture of the first specimen of the Muscicapa parva in Britain, and gave me valuable particulars of its characters, &c. I feel it due to you, therefore, to receive from me a second example which has now come under my notice.

This has been forwarded to me, or rather to Mr. Vingoe with a message to me, by my nephew and Mr. Augustus Pechell, who are staying with Mr. Smith for the Snipe and Woodcock-shooting which the Scilly Islands afford & this season of the year. These gentlemen are good observers of birds, and have been watching the arrival of the great autumnal flight of small birds, consisting of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, Snow Buntings, Chaffinches, Hawfinches, Willow-Wrens, and other soft-billed members of our Sylvidiiae.

On Friday last Flycatchers appeared; and two apparently young Pied Flycatchers (a species almost unknown as Cornish, except just in statu migratorio), and a third, which from its size and tone of colour was thought to be a Chiffchaff, were obtained. The character of the exterior four tail-feathers, showing white in their basal halves, drew their attention to the bird, and it was fortunately forwarded for identification. This proves to be a veritable M. parva, differing only from the female skin you were good enough to make me a present of in the under-plumage presenting a tinge of buff-brown, particularly on the sides of the breast, whereas in the specimen I have from you these parts are of a uniform silvery light grey approaching to white. The tips of the wing-coverts are in the present bird edged with a lighter (or rather more reddish) brown than the rest of the upper plumage, and the latter has a more decided tone of brown than my stuffed specimen. This leads me to offer you my opinion that the bird is an immature male; the buff-coloured breast, &c., agreeing with one of those laws which appear to regulate the tone of colour in birds presenting sexual differences when adult. It must be here remarked that this bird was in company with the young Pied Flycatchers, and exhibited the gestures and habits of the Muscicapidae in abrupt flights, &c.'

E. H. Rodd (1864-65) in the Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, Vol. I. under 'Notes on Ornithology for Cornwall' read on 13th May 1864, adds: 'I forwarded it at once to Mr. Gould for his inspection, and he wrote me as follows: "Your note and the little Flycatcher have interested me very much. The latter is evidently a bird of the year, and was most probably bred in our islands; in what locality it would be interesting to know; perhaps in the warm valley of Tregothan, or in the northern woods near Carlisle, where the Pied Flycatcher is abundant in summer. Perhaps you are not aware that the red breast of the male is only a seasonal livery. In winter the sexes are alike, and the sex of an individual could not be ascertained except by dissection".'

Harting, Editor (1880: 28) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'This specimen [1865] is very similar to the first Scilly bird [this record] which is in my museum.' However, on p. 299, under 'List of the Birds Observed on the Scilly Islands', he adds: 'Red-breasted Flycatcher, twice, in October and November.'

J. Clark & F. R. Rodd (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 249, under 'The Birds of Scilly', say: 'A Red-breasted Flycatcher was obtained by Pechell in the Abbey Gardens on Nov. 2nd, 1863. F. R. Rodd and he were watching some Chiffchaffs, when some young Pied Flycatchers appeared, accompanied by a strange bird, whose white tail-feathers, flycatcher habits, and general resemblance to the Chiffchaffs puzzled them considerably. The bird was identified by Vingoe as a male in immature plumage, and afterwards by Gould (Zoologist 1863: 8841).'

Comment Friday last would make it 30th October 1863. J. Clarke & F. R. Rodd suggest erroneously Monday 2nd November after 43 years. The 1865 record stated definitely 5th November.

Penhallurick (1978: 279) says: 'On 16th October following [not 2nd November as stated by Clark and Rodd, 1906] Augustus Pechell killed the first Scilly specimen, in Tresco Abbey gardens where it had been seen with three Pied Flycatchers.'

4). 1865 Isles of Scilly Tresco, first-winter, shot, 5th November.

(E. H. Rodd, Annals & Magazine of Natural History 1865: 447; E. H. Rodd, Field 18th Nov., 1865: 359; E. H. Rodd, Zoologist 1866: 31; M. C. Cooke, Hardwicke's Science Gossip 1866: 15; Harting, 1880; R. W. J. Smart, Penzance Natural History Society Transactions 1888: 165; J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 4: 454, 688-689; J. Clark & F. R. Rodd, Zoologist 1906: 249; Penhallurick, 1978).

History E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1865) in the Annals & Magazine of Natural History, Vol. XVI. p. 447, in a Letter to J. E. Gray dated 14th Nov., 1865, says: 'It may be interesting to you to know that another example of Muscicapa parva, very nearly in the same state of plumage as its predecessor at Scilly, was captured on Sunday week, at Trescoe Isle, Scilly. The variation in its plumage consists in the scapularies and wing-coverts being more decidedly bordered with rufous. This, I think, shows it to be a bird of the year. I expect it breeds in Britain.'

E. H. Rodd (1865) in The Field of 18th Nov., Vol. XXVI. p. 359, says: 'Your ornithological readers will probably be interested in hearing of another of these pretty little flycatchers having been obtained from Scilly this week, making the third example of its occurrence in Cornwall. It nearly resembles the bird which was obtained from that locality a year or two since. The edges, however, of the wing feathers and coverts are bordered with light brown, which in cases where the same are uniform with the other parts of the plumage in adult birds, is generally a sign of immaturity. The bird was busily engaged in catching flies, and in this manoeuvre precisely resembled our common species, returning with its prey to the same branch whence it sallied forth. Its note was similar to "chat" of the Saxicolae.'

M. C. Cooke, Editor (1865) in Hardwicke's Science Gossip, Vol. I. p. 15, with Rodd's letter dated [Tue] 14th November, says: 'Mr. E. H. Rodd has addressed the following letter to Dr. Gray, on the occurrence of this bird at Scilly: - "It may be interesting to you to know that another example of Muscicapa parva, very nearly in the same state of plumage as its predecessor at Scilly, was captured on Sunday week at Trescoe Isle, Scilly. The variation in its plumage consists in the scapularies and wing-coverts being more decidedly bordered with rufus. This, I think, shows it to be a bird of the year. I expect it breeds in Britain".'

E. H. Rodd of Penzance (1866) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. I. pp. 31-32, dated 9th November, 1865, says: 'I have much pleasure in recording, in The Zoologist, a third example of this little flycatcher, which was obtained this week from the Scilly Isles, after having been carefully observed and its predatory habits watched by Mr. Augustus Pechell and The Rev. John Jenkinson, who were on a visit to their friend the Lord Proprietor of the Isles.

The specimen is very like the first specimen which was obtained, and which I have in my museum, with the exception that the secondaries and wing-coverts are rather more deeply bordered with rufous, which I think indicates a bird of the year, as I observe in specimens of the adult birds the upper plumage is quite plain.

The present specimen was observed in a tree, flitting about and darting after flies, much in the same way as our common species, returning to the same branch after each capture. The gizzard, on dissection, contained a mass of little black flies. I regret I cannot pronounce on the sex of the bird, as the mutilation from shot prevented the discovery.

It appears now probable that the accidental occurrence of this little warbler is inclined to give way to denizenship, and I cannot help thinking that the species breeds in our islands. The bird uttered a note much louder than the suppressed "cheet" of the Spotted Flycatcher, and resembled the "chat" of the Saxicolae; its supposed alliance to this genus is strengthened by its note, and its large eye is also much like the expression of a Stonechat.'

Harting, Editor (1880) in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, says: 'Observed and captured at Scilly on the [Sun] 5th November 1865, by the Rev. John Jenkinson, who observed it in a tree, busily engaged in capturing flies, in doing which it darted off from its branch, returning to the same place in the same way as our Spotted Flycatcher. This specimen is very similar to the first Scilly bird which is in my museum, but the margins of the secondary quills and wing coverts are broadly edged with rufous; the note of the bird was heard by Mr. Jenkinson, and it resembled the "chat" of the Stonechat, showing its approach to that genus.'

Rev. R. W. J. Smart (1888) in the Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society, p. 166, adds: '...killed by Mr. J. H. Jenkinson.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 454, says: 'After leaving the [Scilly] islands [16th May, 1887], an hour was spent very pleasantly at Penzance with the veteran naturalist Mr. Vingoe, now over eighty years of age...As hardly any of Mr. Vingoe's rarities are labelled with date and locality, it is exceedingly probable that when he is gone the value of many of them, as local specimens, will perish with him.

Indeed he has already forgotten the dates of most, although he can give the circumstances connected with their capture. I advised him to write what little he knew on the stands of all before it was too late, knowing that the identity of many a rare British bird has been irrecoverably lost, at the death of its owner, for want of this necessary precaution.'

Further in a footnote, Gurney adds: 'I bought this Flycatcher, but on returning home, found it was unrecorded, Mr. Vingoe states that he received it from Scilly in the same parcel with Mr. Rodd's, both in the flesh. That would be in October, 1863. But Mr. Rodd's not having recorded it, if he knew about it, is very unaccountable; and I am bound to add that a gentleman, who is the best authority on the birds of the Scilly Islands, suspects some mistake in the matter.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. pp. 688-689, adds: 'With reference to the Red-breasted Flycatcher killed on the islands of Scilly (Vol. IV. p. 454), an important corroboration of its authenticity comes to hand from Mr. Thomas Cornish, the friend and partner of the late Mr. E. H. Rodd, with whom he was intimate for many years. You are all right in the specimen of the Red-breasted Flycatcher; I had several long talks with him about it. Having known well Smith the gamekeeper at Trescoe, 1863-65, I am not surprised your specimen found its way into Vingoe's hands from the islands without being recorded by Mr. Rodd. In addition to this evidence afforded by the extract from Mr. Cornish's communication here given, Mr. Vingoe put on a paper a statement that he received the Flycatcher in the flesh, and skinned and stuffed it.'

Penhallurick (1978: 279) adds: 'This must be the bird purchased from Vingoe by J. H. Gurney in May 1887 (Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society Transactions, 1888).

5). 1883 Northumberland Berwick-upon-Tweed, first-winter male, shot, 5th October, photo., now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

(G. Bolam, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 10: 387-388; G. Bolam, Naturalist 10: 9; G. Bolam, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1897: 83; Saunders, 1899; Evans, 1911; Bolam, 1912, plate V; Galloway & Meek, 1983).

History G. Bolam (1882-84) in the History of the Berwick Naturalists' Club, Vol. X. pp. 387-388, says: 'On the 5th of October, 1883, I was fortunate enough to shoot a specimen of this interesting little flycatcher in our garden at Berwick.

When I first observed it fly across the garden and alight on some trees I was struck by the large amount of white displayed in the tail and was thus led to suspect that it was not a Pied Flycatcher, to which bird in other respects it was very similar. It was afterwards seen busily engaged in feeding upon Aphides, which were at the time very numerous and congregated upon the broad leaves of a sycamore tree; here again in its movements it showed a marked resemblance to its congeners, but some slight differences were noticed; it several times ran, or rather hopped along a branch, or the top of a wall, to secure some minute insect, and it was on the whole more restless and less disposed to remain motionless than a Pied Flycatcher.

On examination it proved to be a young male in the sombre brown of the autumn plumage, and in colouring it agrees generally with the short description given in the last edition of Yarrell's British Birds. The tertials are broadly margined and tipped with pale yellowish brown, and the breast and under parts are more or less of a fine warm buff. The tail which consists of twelve feathers is hair brown and white, the brown being darkest on the middle feathers; the first three pairs of quills from the outside have the brown and white in nearly equal proportions; the basal halves being white, quite pure on the second and third pairs, but slightly freckled with brown on the outer feathers. The fourth pair have the outer web only white for about an inch near the middle, with a small portion of the inner web, next to the shaft, of a like colour; while on the fifth pair from the outside the white is confined to a rather narrow margin on a small portion of the outer web; the sixth or centre pair are wholly brown. In the 4th edition of Yarrell's British Birds above referred to, it is stated that this species has only ten feathers in the tail, but Professor Newton informs me that since he wrote the account for that work he has found that specimens are met with having twelve feathers; and Mr. John Hancock, to whom I have on many previous occasions been much indebted for useful information, at all times most kindly given, tells me that he finds, by examination of a large series of specimens in his collection, that twelve is the normal number of tail feathers, in M. parva, and that the only specimens he has which has ten feathers, has evidently lost two. Twelve would therefore seem to be the number of tail feathers in this species, and unless abnormally that number probably never varies.

The Red-breasted Flycatcher has only been obtained in England upon three previous occasions - once near Falmouth, when two birds were seen, and twice in the Scilly Islands.

In Ireland or Scotland it has not as yet been noticed, but the present specimen having been killed north of the Tweed and within a few miles of the borders, would almost seem to give it the right to rank as an occasional visitant to the last named country.'

G. Bolam (1884-85) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. X. p. 9, repeats the same story. Admitted by Evans (1911) who adds: 'Mr. Bolam's garden lay to the north of the Tweed, although being within the "Berwick Bounds", it would politically be included in England.'

Bolam, (1912: 125-126) says: 'The young male Red-breasted Flycatcher shot by me in our garden in Berwick, on 5th October, 1883, (Hist. Berwick Nat. Club X. p. 387), entitles this bird to rank as a rare accidental visitant to the Borders. At that date it was only the fourth specimen that had been obtained in the British Isles, but of later years it has occurred much more frequently. My specimen (now in the Newcastle Museum) was busily engaged in catching aphides when found, and was several times observed to hop along a branch, and the top of the wall, in a manner foreign to the actions of our common Flycatchers.'

6). 1889 Yorkshire Oliver's Mount, Scarborough, shot, 23rd October.

(Anon., Proceedings of the Zoological Society 1890: 361; J. H. Gurney, jun., Naturalist 16: 14; J. H. Gurney, jun., Field 18th Jan., 1890: 83; R. P. Harper, Zoologist 1890: 21; J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1891: 362-363; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1891: 471; J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1895: 58; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986).

History Anon. (1890) in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, p. 361, at a meeting held on 6th May 1890, says: 'Mr. Henry Seebohm exhibited a specimen of the Eastern Turtle Dove (Turtur orientalis), which had been sent to him by Mr. James Backhouse, jnr., of York, with a letter stating that it had been shot on the 23rd of October last at a place commonly known as Nab Gutter, a small stream running from Oliver's Mount, near Scarborough, down to the sea. It flew very swiftly and was pursued by a number of small birds. A Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva) was shot in the same locality on the same day.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1890) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XVI. p. 14, dated 28th November, 1889, says: 'An immature Red-breasted Flycatcher was obtained by Mr. John Morley, at Scarborough, on October 23rd; it was in a wood amongst beech trees, and was observed to fly from its perch at intervals after flies, the white feathers in its tail being then very conspicuous. Mr. Morley adds that the wood was swarming with Golden-crested Wrens, and also, Woodcocks, which had evidently just arrived. The bird has been to London for comparison, and its identity fully established, as I took it to the Zoological Society for that purpose; it was too much shot to distinguish the sex.'

[This Yorkshire example is the seventh specimen and sixth occurrence known for Britain. - W.E.C.]

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1890) in The Field of 18th Jan., Vol. LXXV. p. 83, says: 'An immature example of the Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva) was shot in a wood near Scarborough on Oct. 23. The skin is in the possession of Mr. John Morley, and the skeleton is being prepared by Mr. Harper. Strange to say, the last British killed specimen of this bird was obtained on the same day of the same month, viz., in Ireland on Oct. 23, 1887, having flown against the lantern of South Arkton lightship.'

R. P. Harper (1890) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIV. p. 21, says: 'I believe the occurrence of the Red-breasted Flycatcher, Muscicapa parva, has been recorded already by Mr. Gurney, who determined the species.'

J. Cordeaux (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. pp. 362-363, adds: '...is in the collection of Mr. J. H. Gurney, Keswick Hall, Norwich.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. p. 471, says: 'The Red-breasted Flycatcher, Muscicapa parva, shot at Scarborough on Oct. 23rd, 1889, and mentioned by Mr. Cordeaux (p. 363) is not in my collection, as he supposes, but is among the recent additions to Sir Vauncey Crewe's collection.'

J. Cordeaux (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 58, says: 'This example, shot at Scarborough on Oct. 23rd, 1889, is, I am informed, not in the possession of Mr. J. H. Gurney of Keswick Hall, as stated by me (Zool., 1891, p. 363), but in the collection of Sir V. H. Harpur Crewe, Calke Abbey, Derbyshire.'

Acceped locally (Nelson 1907 (1): 152-153; Mather 1986).

Comment W.E.C. is William Eagle Clarke.

7). 1890 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, adult female, shot, 13th September, now at Ipswich Museum.

(Anon., Proceedings of the Zoological Society 1890: 616-617; Southwell, 1890; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1891: 136-137; F. M. Ogilvie, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 197-199; Eds., Ibis 1891: 152; T. Southwell, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 5: 202; Saunders, 1899; Riviere, 1930; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).

History Anon. (1890) in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, pp. 616-617, at a meeting held on 18th November 1890, says: 'Mr. F. Menteith Ogilvie, F.Z.S., exhibited a specimen of the Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva), and made the following remarks: "I have thought this specimen might be of sufficient interest to be exhibited, partly on account of its rarity as a British bird, partly because there seem to be a few errors in the descriptions of this Flycatcher in the latest ornithological text books. In the 4th ed. of Yarrell the tail is said to consist of 10 feathers, in place of 12; and Mr. Saunders, in his lately published Manual, while he describes the tail as of 12 feathers, states that they all have conspicuous white bases except the central pair, which are black. In this specimen the four outer feathers on either side have more or less white on their basal halves, but the four central feathers are black. In length this specimen measured 5⅛ inches, in place of 4½ in his description; the legs were black, and the irides so dark a brown as to appear black at first sight.

This bird I shot on the beach at Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, Sept. 13th, 1890, during a week's visit to that place with a view to watching the autumn migration. I flushed it twice from the 'scrub' before I was able to secure it, following it for about five minutes. It uttered no note during this time. Its flight was peaceful and buoyant and always at some height from the ground, differing in this from the other birds I saw in the scrub, chiefly Warblers, which flew very low and were flushed with some difficulty from their hiding-places.

The weather during the week was very fine with hot sun, and light wind mostly from the west and north-west. On the 15th, wind was east at daylight, then north-east, going round to south in the afternoon.

The following description was taken a few hours after death. Mr. T. E. Gunn, the well-known Norwich naturalist, dissected the bird before me, and I am also indebted to him for verifying my description and measurements.

Red-breasted Flycatcher. female (? 2nd year), Sept. 15th, 1890.

Weight 4-3 drs. Length 5⅛ inches; wing 2 and eleven-sixteenths inches; tail 1⅞ inches. [Beak three-eighths; tibia thirteen-sixteenths; tarsus eleven-sixteenths.]

Mandibles, upper dark horn-colour; lower the same, getting lighter towards the base. Irides blackish brown. The irides were far darker than the artificial ones which have been used: in fact, they were so dark that I thought at first the iris was absolutely black. Legs and toes black.

Cheeks ashy brown; crown, nape, back, and wing-coverts mouse-colour. Primaries and secondaries a shade darker, with slightly paler margins. Chin, throat, flanks warm buff, a faint transverse line between throat and upper breast. Belly and under tail-coverts white, the latter faintly tinged with buff. Upper tail-coverts mouse-colour above, lower feathers black tipped with wood-brown.

Tail 12 feathers. Basal portion of four outer feathers on either side white (except part of outer web of outer feather and inner web of fourth feather, which are nearly black), four central feathers (and apical portion of other feathers) dark brown or black.

By dissection female; ovary large and well-defined (no ova visible on examination with a lens). Crop empty. Stomach containing large quantity of insect remains.

No doubt many of the ornithologists present will be able to give an authoritative opinion as to the age of this specimen. It seems probable to me that it is at least a second year's bird; there does not seem to be any very evident traces of immaturity about the feathers, and the size and appearance of the ovary rather support this view".'

Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): xiii) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, under 'Addendum' says: 'An example of this pretty little flycatcher, which proved to be an immature female, was shot by Mr. F. M. Ogilvie, at Cley-next-the-Sea, on the 13th September, 1890. Although too late for insertion in its proper place, a notice of this first occurrence of the species in Norfolk is of too much interest to be omitted. Seven other British examples are recorded, three of which were killed in Scilly.'

Eds. (1892) in The Ibis, 6th series, Vol. III. p. 152, say: '...at the Meeting of the Zoological Society of London held on Nov. 18th last, Mr. F. Menteith Ogle [Ogilvie], F.Z.S. exhibited a specimen of the Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva) that he had himself shot on the beach at Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, on Sept, 13th, 1890.'

F. Menteith Ogilvie (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. pp. 197-199, says: 'The fact that this bird is new to the Norfolk list is perhaps sufficient apology for the following short paper. It has seemed best to commence with a description of the specimen and then add such notes as might be of interest to the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, female adult. September 13th, 1890. Weight, 4.3 drs. Length, 5⅛ in.; Wing, two and eleven sixteenths; Tail, 1⅞ in.; Beak, ⅝ in.; tibia, thirteen sixteenths of an inch; tarsus, eleven sixteenths of an inch. Mandibles: upper, dark brown colour; lower, ditto, lighter towards the base. Irides, blackish-brown. Legs and toes, black. Cheeks, ashy-brown. Crown, nape, back, and wing-coverts, mouse-colour. Primaries and secondaries, shade darker, with paler margins. Chin, throat, and flanks, warm buff; a faint transverse line between throat and upper breast. Belly and under tail-coverts white, the latter faintly tinged with buff. Upper tail-coverts, mouse-colour above, lower feathers black tipped with wood brown. Tail, twelve feathers. Basal portion of four outer feathers on either side white (except part of outer web of outer feathers and inner web of fourth feather, which are nearly black); four central feathers (and apical portion of other feathers) dark brown or black. By dissection - female; ovary large and well defined (no ova visible on examination with a lens). Crop empty. Stomach, containing large quantity of insect remains. These were very kindly examined for me by Mr. James Edwards, F.E.S. of Norwich, and proved to consist mainly of Earwigs; there were also fragments of two species of ground Beatles, and of an homopterus insect.

These notes were taken a few hours after death. Mr. T. E. Gunn, F.L.S., dissected the bird before me, and I am also indebted to him for verifying my description and measurements and for other assistance. This Flycatcher I shot on the beach at Cley-next-the-Sea, September 13th, 1890. I flushed it two or three times from "the scrub" (as the Sea-blite which covers the beach there is called) before I was able to secure it, following it for about five minutes. It uttered no note during this time. Its flight was graceful and buoyant, and always at some height from the ground, differing in this from other bird I saw in the scrub, chiefly warblers (Willow Wrens, Chiffchaffs, &c.), which flew very low, and were flushed with some difficulty from their hiding-places.

During the week ending September 13th the weather was very fine, with hot sun and light wind, mostly from the west and north-west; on the 13th the wind was east at daylight, then south-east, going round to south in the afternoon....Unfortunately this bird was obtained too late to be included in the body, or rather the appendix, of the lately published third volume of the Birds of Norfolk; but Mr. Southwell has inserted a short note on p. xiii of that work recording the capture of this bird, and I should like to break a lance with him concerning the statement he makes therein.

Mr. Southwell says: "An example of this pretty little Flycatcher, which proved to be an immature female, was shot", &c. By "immature" female I presume Mr. Southwell means a bird of the year, and I am entirely at a loss to know on what grounds the "proof" of its immaturity rests. Neither its feathers, toes, or claws, the usual outward signs of immaturity, nor the appearance of an ovary, support his view. The feathers are those of a newly moulted adult, as a comparison with the large series of skins in the British Museum will show, and the well-formed toes and long sharp curved claws are altogether opposed to the supposition that it is a bird of the year. It may be said that the paler edgings to the wing-coverts and secondaries are a sign of immaturity; but these paler margins to the feathers are found in the adult female, as has been shown by Gould in his figure of this Flycatcher (British Birds, Vol. II.), and as described by Sharpe (British Museum Catalogue, Vol. IV. p. 162), "adult female...wings brown; greater coverts and quills with edgings of lighter brown".

It is, of course, possible that the specimen may be a bird of the second-year, as the differences between a second-year's bird and one of greater age seems hardly perceptible, but I cannot believe it is a bird of the year. Both at the British Museum and Zoological Society, where I exhibited this specimen, it was held to be undoubtedly adult; and, backed by such strong authority as this, I have less hesitation in putting forward my own view confidently.'

In an Editorial (1891) in The Ibis, Vol. XXXIII. p. 152, they say: 'At the meeting of the Zoological Society of London held on Nov. 18th last, Mr. F. Menteith Ogilvie, F.Z.S., exhibited a specimen of the Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva) that he had himself shot on the beach at Cley-next-the-sea, Norfolk, on Sept, 13th, 1800.'

Thomas Southwell (1891) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. V. p. 202, read 24th February 1891, replies "...I regret that in the Birds of Norfolk I referred to this bird as an immature female, it was so reported to me, and on the brief opportunity I had of seeing the bird I did not examine it with a view to determine its age.

Mr. Ogilvie (see p. 199) tells me it is in mature plumage; and I take this opportunity of correcting my former statement, the only excuse for which is, that I had to stop the press to enable me to have committed myself to the statement without verification.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. (1891) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XV. pp. 136-137, says: 'On Sept. 13th a female Red-breasted Flycatcher, Muscicapa parva, Bechstein, was shot at Cley by Mr. Ogilvie, the eighth on record, Cornwall being accredited with four, Ireland one, Berwickshire one, and Yorkshire one, which last was shot at Scarborough, Oct. 23rd, 1889, the same day of the month as the Irish example in 1887 - history often repeats itself in matters ornithological. Although this Flycatcher was immature, judged by its plumage, Mr. Gunn, from an examination of its ovary, formed an opinion that it was an adult.'

Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling (1999: 455) state that it is still on display in the Ogilvie Collection in Ipswich Museum.

8). 1893 Outer Hebrides Monach Isles Lighthouse, first-winter male, trapped, 22nd October, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1893.121.2).

(J. A. Harvie-Brown & W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1894: 2-3; Eds., British Birds 2: 313; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).

History J. A. Harvie-Brown & W. E. Clarke (1894) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. III. pp. 2-3, say: 'Thanks to Mr. Wm. A. Tulloch, one of the keepers at the Monach Islands lighthouse, we are enabled to add another record to the few visits of this species to Britain, and to indicate a considerable extension to its known range as a wanderer. This is one of the successes accruing to our annual inquiries into the migratory movements of birds in and around Scotland, to which Mr. Tulloch is a valuable contributor.

A Red-breasted Flycatcher was captured at the Monach Island, some thirteen miles west of North Uist, on the 22nd October 1893, and was forwarded to us in the flesh. This specimen, though "far gone" when received, has by careful treatment been made into a passable mounted specimen, and has been presented by Mr. Tulloch to the collection of British Birds in the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art. The bird is a young male of the year, and agrees well with most of the published descriptions, the four central tail feathers being black. The crop contained, strange to say, several seeds of the canary-grass (Phalaris canariensis) in a stained condition, but the gizzard was quite empty.

Though this summer visitor to Central and Eastern Europe has on one occasion, in 1883, occurred north of the Tweed, namely at Berwick, yet it has not hitherto been recorded in Scottish territory - at least Mr. Muirhead excludes the county of the borough and town of Berwick-on-Tweed from the are treated of in his Birds of Berwickshire.'

In an Editorial (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. pp. 313-314, he says: 'Although of late years Mr. Eagle Clarke has recorded several of these birds from Fair Isle, only two other instances (one at the Monarch Lighthouse in 1893, and the other at the Bell Rock on October 25th, 1907) of its occurrence in Scotland were known.'

Forrester & Andrews et al. (2007 (2): 1270) say: 'The specimen, a first-winter male, is now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1893.121.2).'

9). 1894 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, first-winter, shot, 4th October.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1895: 100; Riviere, 1930).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 100, says: 'October. Three days afterwards [the 1st] another bird, nearly as rare, namely, a young Red-breasted Flycatcher, Muscicapa parva, was shot at Cley by Mr. G. E. Power.'

10). 1896 Norfolk Rollesby Broad, first-winter female, shot, 10th December, now at City of Birmingham Museum.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1897: 137-138; Patterson, 1905; Riviere, 1930; Allard, 1990; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).

History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. pp. 137-138, says: 'December 10th. W. and S. A young female Red-breasted Flycatcher, another rarity from the east, and rather unexpected so late in the year, was shot off a tree on the edge of Rollesby Broad by Connop's keeper. Another was seen in September by a good observer near the sea, which makes four for Norfolk.'

Patterson (1905: 130) says: 'An immature female shot at Rollesby on December 10th, 1896, - the fourth example for the county, two of the others occurring in September, the third in October.'

Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling (1999: 455) say: 'Peter Allard says still on display at the City of Birmingham Museum.'

11). 1901 Norfolk Wells-next-the-Sea, shot, 24th September.

(H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 149; Pashley, 1925; Riviere, 1930).

History Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 149, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', say: 'In 1900 one was shot at Wells and is in the collection of Mr. P. C. Musters.'

Pashley (1925) says: '1901. September 24th. At Wells, Mr. Musters got one Red-breasted Flycatcher.'

Comment Now in P. C. Musters collection.

12). 1904 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, first-winter, shot, 22nd September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1905: 97; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 149; Pashley, 1925).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1905) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IX. p. 97, says: 'September 22nd. E.N.E., 5. one Red-breasted Flycatcher (Richards).'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 149, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Pashley (1925) says: '1904. September 22nd. 1 Red-breasted Flycatcher.'

Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley of Cley, Norfolk.

13). 1905 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, first-winter, seen, 20th September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1906: 133; Arnold, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 149; Pashley, 1925).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 133, says: 'September 20th. N.W., 3. A Red-breasted Flycatcher identified near the sea by Mr. E. Arnold, who had a good view of it. This is the sixth for Norfolk.'

Arnold (1907: 60) says: 'On the 20th, with the wind still N.W., Mr. A. H. Streeten and I unquestionably saw, and missed, a Red-breasted Flycatcher. The bird flew straight at me, and settled a few yards off. I had a good view, and noted that it was smaller than a Pied Flycatcher, and had white in the tail, but none on the wings. For fear of blowing it to bits I retired too far and managed to miss it, and, as it unfortunately flew out over the muds, we never again got on its track.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 149, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Pashley (1925) says: '1905. September 20th. Mr. E. C. Arnold shot a Red-breasted Flycatcher.'

14). 1906 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, two, first-winters, obtained, 18th September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1907: 135; J. H. Gurney, jun., Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 51; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 149; Pashley, 1925; Riviere, 1930).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1907) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XI. p. 135, says: 'September 19th. E.N.E., 5. The passage of birds continuing, the following species were among those recognised by my correspondents, Mr. E. C. Arnold, Mr. Power, and Mr. Napier, who, I may say in passing, seldom use the gun where binoculars will serve for identification: - Red-breasted Flycatchers (two young birds)....Mr. Arnold who was watching the movement from a boat at the mouth of the Glaven, never remembers seeing so many small birds cross the estuary, most of them being Wheatears, and it seems that that they were moving in a south-easterly direction.'

J. H. Gurney, jun. (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. p. 51, says: 'As showing the extent which a migratory movement often covers, it may be of interest to record that on 20th September, the day on which the Red-breasted Flycatchers were seen on Fair Island by Mr. Eagle Clarke, as mentioned by him in his interesting note, p. 236, one was shot in Norfolk, and on 18th September two more, which I have examined and find to be young birds.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 149, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'two young birds were obtained on September 18th.'

Pashley (1925) says: '1906. September 19th. The whole place, bushes and sand hills, alive with birds. I had brought in a Red-breasted Flycatcher.'

Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley of Cley, Norfolk.

16). 1906 Fair Isle No locality, four: three/four, seen, adult female and first-winter male caught, 20th September, two, seen, 21st September, two now at National Museums of Scotland.

(W. E. Clarke & N. B. Kinnear, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1906: 236; W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 76-77; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 149; Clarke, 1912).

History W. E. Clarke & N. B. Kinnear (1906) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XV. p. 236, say: 'During a recent visit to Fair Isle for the purpose of observing the migration of birds, we were fortunate enough to come across a number of interesting species, some of which are extremely rare visitors to Scotland, and two of them quite new to its avifauna....Next in point of rarity was the Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva); several of these birds were observed, and two obtained, on 20th and 21st September....Specimens of all the species named have been presented by us to the collections of the Royal Scottish Museum.'

W. E. Clarke (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. pp. 76-77, says "On 20th September three or four were seen, and an adult female and a young male were secured; and on the following day several others were observed. It is probable that on both these dates this bird was present in fair numbers, for those seen frequented the great range of lofty cliffs which flanks the entire west side of the island, and it was most difficult to detect them.'

Clarke (1912 (2): 149-150) under 'The Birds of Fair Isle', says: 'Red-breasted Flycatcher - This unusual visitor to such a northern station occurred several times during the autumn of 1906, and once in that of 1907. I was present on these occasions, and saw the birds and obtained specimens. There is only one record for spring. On 20th September 1906, three or four were seen. They were very wild, but an adult and young bird were captured. On the following day two were seen....I was much puzzled by the appearance of the first example that came under notice. It was a bird of the year, and hence in plain and unattractive plumage. I found it on the face of a comparatively low cliff, and my attention was especially drawn to it from the fact that it raised its tail to such an extreme degree as to be almost parallel with its back. In flight, the white on the basal portion of all but the two central tail-feathers is displayed and is very conspicuous.'

20). 1906 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, first-winter, obtained, 20th September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1907: 135; J. H. Gurney, jun., Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 51; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 149; Pashley, 1925; Riviere, 1930).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1907) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XI. p. 135, says: 'September 20th. N.E., 5. The passage continuing, many Redstarts, three Bluethroats, a Redwing, and one immature Red-breasted Flycatcher - a species which is now an almost annual visitor - were among the birds recognised.'

Pashley (1925) says: '1906. September 20th. The whole place, bushes and sand hills, alive with birds. I had brought in a Red-breasted Flycatcher.'

Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley of Cley, Norfolk.

21). 1906 Fair Isle No locality, first-winter, obtained, 4th October.

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1906: 236; W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 77; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 149; Clarke, 1912).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. p. 51, in a footnote, says: 'Another Red-breasted Flycatcher was obtained at Fair Isle on 4th October.' Wm. Eagle Clarke (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. p. 77, says: 'On 4th October there was another considerable arrival of immigrants, and among them was a bird of the year of this species.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 149, under the title 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

22). 1907 Yorkshire Hull Bank House, male, seen, 20th May.

(B. Haworth-Booth, Field 25th May 1907: 864; H. R. Jackson, Naturalist 33: 291; E. W. Wade, Naturalist 33: 420; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 149; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History Ben Haworth-Booth of Rolston Hall, Hornsea (1907) in The Field of 25th May, Vol. CIX. p. 864, says: 'On May 20 I saw a male Red-breasted Flycatcher near Hull. I watched closely for some minutes, but saw no hen bird.'

[A specimen of this little bird, in the collection of Sir V. Crewe, was obtained near Scarborough in October, 1889, and of a dozen examples met with in other localities none occurred in spring, and nearly all in September, October, and November. - Ed.]

Harold R. Jackson of Hornsea (1907) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. p. 291, says: '...Mr. Haworth Booth informs me that he saw a male this spring at Hull Bank House about a mile-and-a-half, as the crow flies, from where I saw the pair. He saw the bird on May 20th, and reported it in The Field on the 25th.'

E. W. Wade of Hull (1907) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. p. 420, says: '...On 20th May Mr. R. Haworth Booth saw a male Red-breasted Flycatcher at Hull Bank House.'

23). 1907 Fair Isle No locality, first-winter, seen, 27th September.

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 246; W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1908: 82-83; H. F. Witherby, British Birds 1: 383; Clarke, 1912).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. p. 246, says: 'I have just returned from a five weeks' residence on Fair Isle...among the birds observed were several species of special interest...The rarer species that came under my notice during September and early October were - Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva).'

Wm. Eagle Clarke (1908) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. pp. 82-83, says: 'I saw a bird of this species in immature plumage on 27th September. Like those seen last year, it was extremely shy, wary, and restless, as are nearly all woodland and cover-haunting passerines which visit this shrubless island. As is the case with most of the insect-feeders among the birds of passage, it haunted the face of the lofty cliffs, especially those which tower perpendicularly above the Atlantic on the west side.

Here, under the genial influence of the afternoon sun, flies and other insects are abundant; but a more hopeless situation in which to attempt bird-watching it would be impossible to conceive, and thus many miles of retreats for migrants are lost to the would-be observer.'

H. F. Witherby (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 383, says: 'An immature bird was seen on September 27th.'

24). 1907 Angus & Dundee Bell Rock Lighthouse, Angus, seen, 25th October.

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1908: 49-50; Eds., British Birds 1: 297).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1908) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. pp. 49-50, says: 'Writing from the Bell Rock, Mr. Robert Clyne tells me that on the 25th October a small bird came to the lantern, along with a few Blackbirds and Thrushes. From the front view he had of it through the glass, it resembled a Willow Warbler; but there were no superciliary markings, and the greenish-brown plumage was a little lighter in colour round the eye. On going outside to try and catch it for examination, the bird escaped, leaving half its tail feathers in his hand. These he fortunately preserved and sent to me.

If Mr. Clyne was only destined to secure a few of the stranger's plumes, he could not have secured any which, in this case, would have revealed the secret of its identification with greater certainty than the pretty black and white feathers which form the tail of this little bird. This species has not occurred previously on the east coast of the mainland of Scotland, and the young male recorded for Berwick-on-Tweed, on the 5th of October, 1883, was captured on the south side of the river. Mr. Clyne is to be congratulated on the fact that his efforts have led to the detection of this interesting visitor at his lonely station.'

In an Editorial (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 297, they say: 'A specimen of Muscicapa parva was obtained at the lighthouse on the Bell Rock on October 25th, 1907. The bird escaped the light-keeper, but left its tail-feathers in his hand, and from these Mr. Eagle Clarke identified it satisfactorily (W. E. Clarke, Ann. S.N.H., 1908, p. 49).'

25). 1907 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, first-winter, obtained, 30th October, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1954Z1.1036).

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1908: 132; Eds., British Birds 2: 34; Pashley, 1925; Riviere, 1930; Watson, 2010).

History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1908) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XII. p. 132, says: '29th September. S.E., 5. The following day (S.S.E. 4) a Red-breasted Flycatcher was identified.'

In an Editorial (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 34, they say: 'One was identified (not very satisfactorily) by Mr. E. C. Arnold on the coast on September 11th, and another was identified by another observer on October 29th.'

Pashley (1925) says: '1907. October 29th-31st. A Red-breasted Flycatcher.'

Watson (2010) in detailing the W. R. Lysaght collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a female specimen obtained at Cley, Norfolk, on 30th October 1907, without further detail.

Comment The September 11th record was inadmissable. Preserved by H. N. Pashley, Cley, Norfolk.

26). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, adult male, seen, 31st May.

(Clarke, 1912; Saunders & Clarke, 1927).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 72) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '31st May - In the evening a small stranger was observed at fairly close quarters through the field glasses, and there can be no doubt that it was an adult male Red-breasted Flycatcher. This bird would occasionally erect its tail almost, if not quite, above the level of its head; and its other actions greatly resembled those of the Spotted Flycatcher.'

27). 1908 Norfolk Blakeney, first-winter, shot, 23rd September.

(F. I. Richards, British Birds 2: 200; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1909: 131; Pashley, 1925).

History F. I. Richards (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 200, says: 'After a wet day with a south-west wind on the 22nd, the weather cleared and the wind veered to the north-east on the 23rd. On the morning of this day I shot an immature Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva).'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1909) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XIII. p. 131, says: 'September 23rd. S., 1. This was a day of migration, or rather a reaping of the fruits of yesterday's would-be migration, which was an abortive one, being retarded by a thick mist which for nearly twenty-four hours enveloped the coast of Norfolk. It might be safely predicted that such a state of the atmosphere would cause a congestion in the stream of migratory birds converging on Blakeney, some of which may have started from inland places on the Continent when it was quite fine; accordingly observers had their chance. I wish I had had the luck to have been on the shore, but a good observer was there in Mr. F. J. Richards, who has given some account of what transpired on this and the two following days. About 10 a.m. the first signal of a movement was the presence of an immature Red-breasted Flycatcher.'

Pashley (1925) says: '1908. September 23rd. A Red-breasted Flycatcher.'

Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley, Cley, Norfolk.

28). 1908 Norfolk Blakeney, adult male, shot, 24th September.

(F. I. Richards, British Birds 2: 200; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1909: 132; Pashley, 1925; Riviere, 1930; J. Vincent, British Birds 35: 129; Stoddart & Joyner, 2005).

History F. I. Richards (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 200, says: 'On September 24th Ramm (another well-known local fowler) shot a mature male Red-breasted Flycatcher in very fine plumage.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1909) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XIII. p. 132, says: 'September 24th. S., 1. An adult male Red-breasted Flycatcher - a species which was added to the county list in 1890 - in exceptionally rich plumage, was detected perched on a smack anchored inside the bar, the same ship, I am told, that the Desert Wheatear alighted upon last year, and, having afterwards the impudence to fly to shore, was presently shot, as recorded by Mr. F. J. Richards in British Birds (p. 200).'

Pashley (1925) says: '1908. September 24th. A beautiful adult Red-breasted Flycatcher (with red breast), the first adult taken here.'

Jim Vincent (1941-42) in British Birds, Vol. XXXV. p. 129, says: 'I saw the late E. Ramm of Cley kill an adult of this species with a very red breast in Sept. 1908, as it settled on the rigging of an old smack in Blakeney Harbour.'

Stoddart & Joyner (2005: 201) add: '...shot by Frank Richards whilst it perched on the bulwarks of Pinchen's houseboat, the Britannia.'

Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley, Cley, Norfolk.

29). 1908 Norfolk Blakeney, first-winter female, shot, 25th September.

(F. I. Richards, British Birds 2: 201; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1909: 132; Pashley, 1925).

History F. I. Richards (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 201, says: 'On the 25th the wind went back to the west and the migration considerably decreased, but Ramm shot another immature male Red-breasted Flycatcher.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1909) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XIII. p. 132, says: 'September 25th. No wind at all. Another Red-breasted Flycatcher in the salt-wort bushes (Richards).'

Pashley (1925) says: '1908. September 25th. A female Red-breasted Flycatcher.'

Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley, Cley, Norfolk.

30). 1908 Outer Hebrides Butt of Lewis, Lewis, seen, 1st November.

(R. Clyne, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 48; Eds., British Birds 2: 313-314; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 203; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Robert Clyne (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVIII. pp. 48-49, says: 'Since coming here I have had a great deal of station work, and not the time I would have liked for the observation of bird life, etc. I have, however, considered the place generally rather bare and uninteresting, comparatively; there being no turnips grown in the district, and no cover for small birds....On 1st Nov. I watched for a long time, catching midges on the cliff edge, what, I am certain, is a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva), the same species as I got last year on the Bell Rock (Annals, 1908, p. 40). The tail was kept nearly always on the move, and often erected wren-like, and the white feathers, when it made evolutions in the air after insects, were as conspicuous as the white on a Wheatear's rump. There were no markings on the wings or body.'

In an Editorial (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. pp. 313-314, he says: '...Mr. Robert Clyne, who obtained the bird at the Bell Rock, now writes that he is certain he saw a bird of the same species on November 1st, 1908, on the cliff edge at the Butt of Lewis, where he is now stationed (Ann. S.N.H., 1909, p. 48).'

Admitted by J. Paterson (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVIII. p. 203, under 'Report on Scottish Ornithology for 1908', who says: 'Butt of Lewis, 1st November, one (p. 48).'

31). 1908 Outer Hebrides Barra, seen, 3rd November.

(Bedford, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 3; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 203; Eds., British Birds 2: 313-314; Scottish Naturalist 35: 32; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Mary, Duchess of Bedford (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVIII. p. 3, says: 'The only thick bit of shrubbery that I know of on this island is a great attraction to these birds. When visiting it on 3rd November my attention was at once arrested by a little brown bird, which I at first took for a Warbler. Its strikingly large eye, buff breast, and some very conspicuous white about the tail puzzled me very much, as the bird was so restless that I could not see exactly where the white came. At last, however, it obligingly perched on a wire fence only the width of a narrow road from me, and I was able to see that with the exception of the dark centre feathers the basal half of the tail was white. I then recognized that it was either a female or a young male Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva).'

Admitted by J. Paterson (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVIII. p. 203, under 'Report on Scottish Ornithology for 1908', who says: 'Outer Hebrides, 3rd November, one.'

In an Editorial (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. pp. 313-314, he says: 'On November 3rd, 1908, while at Barra, the Duchess of Bedford saw a small brown bird which, coming well into view, was seen to have the basal half of the tail white with the exception of the centre feathers, which were dark. It thus became clear that the bird was either a female or young male Muscicapa parva (Ann. S.N.H., 1909, p. 3). Although of late years Mr. Eagle Clarke has recorded several of these birds from Fair Isle, only two other instances (one at the Monarch Lighthouse in 1893, and the other at the Bell Rock on October 25th, 1907) of its occurrence in Scotland were known.'

32). 1909 Lincolnshire North Cotes, first-winter male, shot, 16th September.

(G. H. Caton Haigh, British Birds 3: 226; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 28: 224; F. L. Blathwayt, Zoologist 1912: 61; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History G. H. Caton-Haigh (1909) in British Birds, Vol. III. p. 226, says: 'On September 16th I shot an immature male of the Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva) from a hedge near the coast at North Cotes. There were not many birds passing at this time, but the hedges contained Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers, and Garden-Warblers, and there were many Wheatears along the sea-beach. This is, I believe, the first occurrence of this species in Lincolnshire.'

F. L. Blathwayt (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 61, under 'Additions to the Birds of Lincs.', says: 'One shot at North Cotes on September 16th, 1909 (G. H. Caton Haigh).'

33). 1909 Isle of May No locality, first-winter male, seen, 25th September.

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1910: 4-6; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1910: 135; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 28: 224; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935).

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1910) in the Annals Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIX. p. 4, say: 'This autumn (1909) we again returned to the Isle of May, spending six weeks there from 13th September to 28th October....We landed on the island about 2 p.m. on 13th September and at once set out to see what birds were present....25th September was a day with light east wind and fog in the morning and evening; it was one of our red letter days....A few Pied Flycatchers were also present, and down in Mr. Ross's garden a Red-breasted Flycatcher (M. parva). This bird's behaviour was very like that of the Pied Flycatcher, it flitted about in the same way, and, when it settled, ducked, jerking its wings. It was not very shy, and when procured was found to be a male. This is the first record of this bird in the Forth Area.'

Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1910) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIX. p. 135, under the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology, 1909.'

Rintoul & Baxter (1935) say: 'We saw one on 25th September 1909 on the Isle of May.'

34). 1912 Yorkshire Spurn, first-winter, shot, 24th September.

(J. K. Stanford, British Birds 6: 217; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 272-273; Mather, 1986).

History J. K. Stanford (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 217, says: 'On September 24th, 1912, I shot an immature Red-breasted Flycatcher. Only one has previously been obtained in the county, though three others are said to have been seen. This bird was in a faggot breakwater, and appeared somewhat smaller than M. h. hypoleuca. The wind had been easterly for some days, and on the 24th a number of small birds arrived, including Goldcrests, Continental Robins (Dandalus r. rubecula), and a Ring-Ouzel (Turdus torquatus).'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. pp. 272-273, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'One, Spurn Head (Yorkshire), September 24th.'

35). 1912 Isle of May No locality, seen, 28th to 30th September.

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 33: 52; Eds., British Birds 6: 351; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 273).

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1913) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. p. 52, say: 'We again spent a month in spring and another in autumn on the Isle of May...on the 28th [September]...During this rush there were some rare visitors; these comprised a Red-breasted Flycatcher.'

In an Editorial (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 351, they say: 'In recent numbers of the Scottish Naturalist interesting articles have appeared on migrants observed in 1912 by The Duchess of Bedford and Mr. Eagle Clarke, in Fair Isle, and by the Misses Rintoul and Baxter in the Isle of May. The rarer occurrences recorded are mentioned below...At the Isle of May one between September 28th and 30th.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 272, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'One, Isle of May (Fife), September 28th.'

36). 1912 Orkney Pentland Skerries, adult male, shot, 30th September, now at National Museums of Scotland.

(J. Bain, Scottish Naturalist 1912: 278; Eds., British Birds 6: 282; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 273).

History John Bain of the Pentland Skerries (1912) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXII. p. 278, says: 'On 30th September there were a number of migratory birds on the island, and among them I detected what I felt sure was a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva) from the white on its tail, which it spread out as it flitted about on the rocks. It was a very brisk little bird, and I had some difficulty in securing it in order to establish its identity. It proved to be an adult male, and is now in the collection in the Royal Scottish Museum.'

In an Editorial (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 282, they say: 'The occurrence of an adult male Muscicapa p. parva at the Pentland Skerries (Orkney) on September 30th, 1912, is recorded by Mr. J. Bain (Scot. Nat., 1912, p. 278).'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 272, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'One, Pentland Skerries, September 30th.'

37). 1913 Orkney Auskerry, first-winter male, seen, 21st to 22nd September.

(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 34: 5-8; Eds., British Birds 7: 303).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 7, says: 'A young male frequented the face of the cliffs on 21st and 22nd September. This is the second record of the visit of this species on the Orkneys; the first occurrence was at the Pentland Skerries on 30th September 1912.'

In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 303, they say: 'Mr. Clarke now (Scot. Nat., 1914, pp. 5-8) gives a remarkable list of other rare and interesting migrants noted on the island in the autumn of 1913. Of these the following are the most interesting: - Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa p. parva). - A young male on Sept. 21st and 22nd.'

38). 1913 Isle of May No localityy, 1st October.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 34: 109; Eds., British Birds 8: 22).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. pp. 108-109, say: 'The 30th was the best day of our visit...By next day, a Red-breasted Flycatcher.'

In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. p. 22, they say: 'Miss E. V. Baxter and Miss L. J. Rintoul give (Scot. Nat., 1914, pp. 106-111) an interesting report of the most important occurrences of birds at the Isle of May in 1913....The following are noteworthy: - Red-breasted Flycatcher. One on Oct. 1st.'

39). 1915 Orkney Swona, seen, 7th October.

(J. Bain, Scottish Naturalist 36: 23; Eds., British Birds 9: 303).

History John Bain from Swona (1916) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXVI. p. 23, says: 'On 6th October I was taking my usual turn round the island, beating up the turnip and potato patches, though in no great hope of seeing anything uncommon, nothing having been on the island for the last week, in spite of the wind being easterly....and next day, there being a moderate gale from the south-east, on the lee-side of the island on the grassy side of a small geo, I saw a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva) sitting with spread tail and the white tail patches showing clearly. I identified it at once, it having been my good fortune to have got this species before.'

In an Editorial (1916) in British Birds, Vol. IX. p. 303, they say: 'Mr. J. Bain records (Scot. Nat. 1916, p. 23) from Swona, Orkney, a Muscicapa p. parva, on October 7th, 1915.'

40). 1916 Isle of May No locality, seen, 28th September.

(S. Baigrie, Scottish Naturalist 37: 6; Scottish Naturalist 37: 150; Eds., British Birds 10: 295; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Ibis 1918: 276).

History Sim Baigrie from the Isle of May Lighthouse (1917) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXVII. p. 6, under 'Red-breasted Flycatcher and Black Redstart on the Isle of May', says: 'Seeing Mr. John Bain's records of these species in Orkney this autumn, I think it may be of interest to mention that they occurred here about the same time. The Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva parva) put in its appearance on the 28th September. The wind was easterly and had been for some days previously, and there were a good many migrants on the island.'

In an Editorial (1917) in British Birds, Vol. X. p. 295, they say: 'Mr. S. Baigrie states (Scot. Nat., 1917, p. 6) that a Muscicapa p. parva appeared at the Isle of May (Forth) on September 28th, 1916.'

E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1918) in The Ibis, Vol. LX. p. 276, under 'The Birds of the Isle of May', say: 'An uncommon visitor to the island: the records, all of single birds, are 25 September 1909, 28 September 1912, 1 October 1913, and 28 September 1916, all with easterly winds.'

41). 1916 Orkney Swona, seen, 29th September.

(J. Bain, Scottish Naturalist 36: 293; Eds., British Birds 10: 190; Scottish Naturalist 37: 150;).

History John Bain (1916) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXVI. p. 293, says: 'This autumn has not been a very good one for birds, but I have two other uncommon visitors to record. One was a Red-breasted Flycatcher on 29th September. Strange to say, this bird was in the same small geo and sitting on the same ledge of rock as that I recorded last year.'

In an Editorial (1917) in British Birds, Vol. X. p. 190, they say: 'Mr. J. Bain records (Scot. Nat., 1916, p. 293) the occurrence on Swona of a Muscicapa p. parva on September 29th, 1916, which, curiously enough, was sitting on the same ledge of rock as a bird of the same species which he recorded in 1915 (cf. Brit. B., Vol. IX. p. 303).'

42). 1919 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, first-winter male, shot, 8th October.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 13: 218; J. H. Gurney, jun., British Birds 13: 258; Witherby, 1920-24; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 11: 588; Pashley, 1925; Riviere, 1930).

History B. B. Riviere (1920) in British Birds, Vol. XIII. p. 218, says: 'On October 8th, 1919, after a gale from E.N.E. the night before, a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa p. parva) was shot on Cley beach and proved on examination to be a male in first winter plumage. This is, I believe, its first occurrence in Norfolk since 1908 - in which year four were obtained - and, according to Mr. J. H. Gurney's notes, makes the fourteenth record for the county. Thirteen of these have occurred at Blakeney and Cley, ten in September and three (including the bird now recorded) in October, whilst one was obtained on December 10th, 1896, at Rollesby.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1920) in British Birds, Vol. XIII. p. 258, says: 'As already announced (British Birds, p. 218) a young male occurred to Dr. Riviere on October 8th after a moderate gale the night before from E.N.E., registered as force 4. Previous captures have generally been with easterly winds also.'

Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1924) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XI. p. 588, under 'Additions to Part XI (Eighth List) 1919-23'.

Pashley (1925) says: '1919. October. I hear Dr. Riviere got a Red-breasted Flycatcher, but I did not see it.'

Comment I only have notice of three for 1908, but the ten records in September including eleven individuals, three in October and one in December tally for a total of fifteen individuals to date.

43). 1920 Shetland Lerwick, Mainland, 23rd September.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 41: 107; Eds., British Birds 16: 30; Witherby, 1920-24).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1921) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLI. p. 107, in the annual report, say: 'Red-breasted Flycatchers (Muscicapa parva parva) visited Lerwick on 23rd September (1).'

In an Editorial (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 29, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1920, including Migration', by Evelyn V. Baxter and Leonora J. Rintoul, they say: 'Several are reported from Lerwick, viz., single birds on September 23rd.'

44). 1920 Shetland Lerwick, Mainland, 7th to 8th October, two, 9th October.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 41: 107; Eds., British Birds 16: 30; Witherby, 1920-24).

46). 1920 Shetland North Ness, Mainland, several (5), 7th October.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 41: 107; Eds., British Birds 16: 30; Witherby, 1920-24).

In an Editorial (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 29, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1920, including Migration', by Evelyn V. Baxter and Leonora J. Rintoul, they say: '...while there were several at North Ness on October 7th.'

51). 1921 Isle of May No locality, 18th September.

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 42: 72; Eds., British Birds 16: 315; Witherby, 1920-24).

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1922) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLII. p. 72, in the annual report, say: 'A Red-breasted Flycatcher visited the Isle of May on 18th September.'

In an Editorial (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 315, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1921, including Migration', by Leonora J. Rintoul and Evelyn V. Baxter, they say: 'One on the Isle of May on September 18th.'

52). 1922 Dumfries & Galloway Mull of Galloway, Wigtownshire, 24th September.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 43: 68; Eds., British Birds 17: 195; Witherby, 1920-24; Dickson, 1992).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1923) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLIII. p. 68, in the annual report, say: 'Mr. John Bain reports a Red-breasted Flycatcher at the Mull of Galloway on 24th September, this being the first record for Solway, and indeed for the Scottish Mainland.'

H. F. Witherby (1924) in British Birds, Vol. XVII. p. 195, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1922, including Migration', by Evelyn V. Baxter and Leonora J. Rintoul, says: 'One at the Mull of Galloway (Wigtownshire) on September 24th, this being the first record for the Scottish mainland.'

53). 1922 Northumberland Holy Island, male, shot, 26th September.

(Anon., History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 25: 224; W. G. Watson, British Birds 16: 325-326; Witherby, 1920-24; Bolam, 1932; Galloway & Meek, 1983).

History Anon. (1923-25) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. XXV. p. 224, says: 'Mr. Bolam brings to my notice a male Red-breasted Flycatcher obtained by Mr. W. G. Watson on Holy Island on 26th September 1922.'

W. G. Watson (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 325, under 'Notes from Holy Island, 1922', says: 'A male was shot on September 26th....Dr. W. Eagle Clarke, who stayed on the Island from September 18th to October 2nd, during which period the majority of the more interesting observations were made, kindly identified for me all the birds obtained.'

Accepted locally (Bolam 1932; Galloway & Meek 1983).

54). 1922 Northumberland Holy Island, pair, shot, 27th September.

(Anon., History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 25: 224; W. G. Watson, British Birds 16: 325-326; Witherby, 1920-24; Bolam, 1932; Galloway & Meek, 1983).

W. G. Watson (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. pp. 325-326, under 'Notes from Holy Island, 1922', says: 'A male was shot on September 26th and a male and female on the following day....Dr. W. Eagle Clarke, who stayed on the Island from September 18th to October 2nd, during which period the majority of the more interesting observations were made, kindly identified for me all the birds obtained.'

Accepted locally (Bolam 1932; Galloway & Meek 1983).

56). 1922 Isle of May No locality, 28th September.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 43: 68; H. F. Witherby, British Birds 17: 195; Witherby, 1920-24).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1923) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLIII. p. 68, in the annual report, say: 'One was on the Isle of May on 28th September.'

H. F. Witherby (1924) in British Birds, Vol. XVII. p.195, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1922, including Migration', by Evelyn V. Baxter and Leonora J. Rintoul, says: '...one Isle of May, September 28th.'

57). 1922 Lincolnshire North Cotes, obtained, 23rd October.

(G. H. Caton Haigh, British Birds 16: 326; G. H. Caton Haigh, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 1922: 180; Witherby, 1920-24; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History G. H. Caton Haigh (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 326, says: 'I obtained a specimen of the Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa p. parva) at North Cotes on October 23rd, 1922. It was perched on a strand of barbed wire under an old hedgerow and was very tame. It is distinguishable from the Pied Flycatcher (M. h. hypoleuca) - a very common migrant - by the absence of white in the wing and much smaller size. This is, I believe, the second appearance of this bird in Lincolnshire.'

58). 1923 Isle of May No locality, 4th October.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 44: 107; Eds., British Birds 18: 304).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1924) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLIV. p. 107, in the annual report, say: 'A Red-breasted Flycatcher is recorded from the Isle of May on 4th October.'

In an Editorial (1925) in British Birds, Vol. XVIII. p. 303, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1923, including Migration', by Evelyn V. Baxter and L. J. Rintoul, they say: 'Among the interesting items in the Report not previously recorded in our pages the following may be mentioned: - Red-breasted Flycatcher (M, p. parva). - One at Isle of May, October 4th.'

59). 1924 Northumberland Holy Island, male, 8th October.

(W. G. Watson, British Birds 19: 20; Bolam, 1932).

History W. G. Watson (1925) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 20, says: 'Single birds on October 8th and 16th - both were males.' It was accepted locally (Bolam 1932).

60). 1924 Northumberland Holy Island, male, 16th October.

(W. G. Watson, British Birds 19: 20; Bolam, 1932).

History W. G. Watson (1925) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 20, says: 'Single birds on October 8th and 16th - both were males.' It was accepted locally (Bolam 1932).

61). 1925 Fair Isle No locality, seen, 20th May.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 72-73; Eds., British Birds 21: 24; Saunders & Clarke, 1927).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. pp. 72-73, in the annual report, say: 'A Red-breasted Flycatcher was noted at Fair Isle on 20th May, there being only one previous record of the species for spring in Britain.'

In an Editorial (1927) in British Birds, Vol. XXI. p. 24, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1925, including Migration', by Evelyn V. Baxter and L. J. Rintoul, they say: 'Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa p. parva). - One at Fair Isle on May 20th.'

62). 1925 Northumberland Holy Island, two, September.

(Bolam, 1932; H. F. Witherby, British Birds 26: 282).

History Bolam (1932) says: '...two in September 1925.'

H. F. Witherby (1933) in British Birds, Vol. XXVI. p. 282, in a Review of G. Bolam's A Catalogue of the Birds of Northumberland, says: 'Of migrants, Mr, Bolam has a good many to add, chiefly by the work of Mr. W. G. Watson, on Holy Island. Most of those were published at the time in our pages, but we notice two Red-breasted Flycatchers in September, 1925...of which we have no note.'

64). 1925 Norfolk Blakeney Point, first-winter, obtained, 2nd October.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 19: 241; Riviere, 1930).

History B. B. Riviere (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 241, in the 1925 Norfolk Annual Report, says: 'An immature specimen, the sex of which was not noted, was obtained at Blakeney Point on October 2nd (F. E. Gunn). This makes the fifteenth for Norfolk.'

65). 1928 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, first-winter, shot, 15th September.

(E. C. Arnold, British Birds 22: 141; B. B. Riviere, British Birds 22: 248-249; Riviere, 1930).

History E. C. Arnold (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. p. 141, says: 'A Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa p. parva) was shot at Cley in the bushes by A. B. Carter on September 15th, 1928, the wind having been N.E. for several days. He noticed the large amount of white in the tail and the absence of that colour on the wing. The flight was short and jerky.'

B. B. Riviere (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. pp. 248-249, in the 1928 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'No less than four Red-breasted Flycatchers were reported during September. The first was obtained on Cley beach on September 15th (E. C. Arnold, antea, p. 141)....The two birds killed were in first winter plumage, the last one proving on dissection to be a male.'

66). 1928 Norfolk Salthouse, seen, 16th September.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 22: 248-249; Riviere, 1930).

67). 1928 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, seen, 22nd September.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 22: 248-249; Riviere, 1930).

68). 1928 Norfolk Blakeney Point, first-winter male, picked up dead, 30th September.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 22: 248-249; Riviere, 1930).

History B. B. Riviere (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. pp. 248-249, in the 1928 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'No less than four Red-breasted Flycatchers were reported during September....and on September 30th one was picked up under the window of the lifeboat house at Blakeney Point, against which it had evidently flown (L. Lloyd). The two birds killed were in first winter plumage, the last one proving on dissection to be a male. The number of this species which have now been obtained in Norfolk is seventeen.'

69). 1928 Northumberland Boulmer, first-winter, shot, 1st October.

(W. S. Craster, British Birds 22: 189-190; Bolam, 1932).

History W. S. Craster (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. pp. 189-190, says: 'When I was walking with my gun along the shore near Boulmer, Northumberland, on October 1st, 1928, my attention was attracted by a small bird, which was unknown to me, in company with two Rock Pipits (Anthus s. petrosus). It was very restless and kept continually jerking its tail up and down after the manner of a Stonechat. As I could by no means determine what it was I shot it. When I got home I looked it up in Coward's The Birds of the British Isles and their Eggs, and eventually came to the conclusion that it was a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa p. parva) in immature plumage. To make certain, however, I sent it to the Curator of the Hancock Museum, Newcastle-on-Tyne, who kindly identified it for me.'

Accepted locally (Bolam 1932).

70). 1929 Lincolnshire North Cotes, two: female, shot, 18th September, male, shot, 19th September.

(G. H. Caton Haigh, British Birds 23: 339; G. H. Caton Haigh, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 1929: 118; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History G. H. Caton Haigh (1930) in British Birds, Vol. XXIII. p. 339, says: 'On September 18th, 1929, I obtained an example of the Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa p. parva) in a hedge close to the sea-coast at North Cotes. It was fine, dry weather with a light N.E. wind and there was no migration in progress, the only other migratory bird seen being a single Redstart. This bird proved to be a female. On the following day I obtained a second example - a male - in the same place. On this day there was a fresh west wind and no sign of migration. Compared with the Pied Flycatcher this bird is, in my experience, very secretive, keeping to the inside of the bush or hedge which it frequents instead of perching on the most exposed branches, as does its commoner relative.'

G. H. Caton Haigh (1929) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, 1929: 118, says: 'On 18th [September], I obtained an immature Red-breasted Flycatcher and saw a single Redstart. On 19th, I shot another Red-breasted Flycatcher, but saw no other migratory birds.'

72). 1933 Isle of May No locality, obtained, 8th September.

(Midlothian Ornithological Club, Scottish Naturalist 54: 81; Eds., British Birds 28: 282; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935).

History Midlothian Ornithological Club (1934) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LIV. p. 81, under 'Some recent notes on birds in the Forth area', say: 'Red-breasted Flycatcher. - One was obtained on the Isle of May on 8th September.'

In an Editorial (1935) in British Birds, Vol. XXVIII. p. 282, under 'Scarce Birds in Forth Area', they say: 'Among some notes contributed by the Midlothian Ornithological Club on birds of this area during 1933 (Scot. Nat., 1934, pp. 81-2), the following may be specially mentioned: - Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva) at the Isle of May on September 8th.'

Rintoul & Baxter (1935) say: 'Seen by the Messrs. Watson on 8th September 1933 on the Isle of May.'

73). 1933 Norfolk Salthouse, first-winter, seen, 27th September.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 27: 315).

History B. B. Riviere (1934) in British Birds, Vol. XXVII. p. 315, in the 1933 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'On September 27th, at Salthouse, during a migratory "rush" of Robins and other small birds, Mr. R. M. Garnett and Col. Madoc had a close view of a female or immature male Red-breasted Flycatcher. Mr. Garnett noticed that when perched upon a wire fence it frequently flicked its tail, thus rendering the black and white colouring of this very conspicuous.'

74). 1936 Isle of May No locality, trapped, 17th September.

(Midlothian Ornithological Club, Scottish Naturalist 57: 52; Eds., British Birds 31: 123).

History Midlothian Ornithological Club (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. pp. 51-52, under 'Isle of May Bird Observatory Autumn Report for 1936', say: 'On the 17th, birds had increased and arrivals of particular interest were: - Red-breasted Flycatcher (M, p. parva).' Further, p. 55, under 'Ringing', they add it was ringed.

In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 123, they say: 'The Report by the Midlothian Ornithological Club of migration observations in the autumn of 1936 on the Isle of May (Scot. Nat., 1937, pp. 51-5) contains a number of interesting items. The members of the Club were assisted by some fourteen other observers....single Red-breasted Flycatchers on September 17th.'

75). 1936 Norfolk Salthouse, seen, 21st September.

(R. M. Garnett, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 14: 182; R. M. Garnett, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1936: 17; Eds., British Birds 31: 95).

History R. M. Garnett (1936) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XIV. p. 182, and Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 17, under 'Notes from the Kelling-Salthouse-Cley area', says: 'September. A Red-breasted Flycatcher was seen by Miss Barclay, Dr. G. Carmichael Low and myself at Salthouse on the 21st.'

In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 95, in a Review of the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, for 1936, says: 'A Red-breasted Flycatcher at Salthouse on September 21st.'

76). 1936 Isle of May No locality, seen, 28th September.

(Midlothian Ornithological Club, Scottish Naturalist 57: 52; Eds., British Birds 31: 123; W. B. Alexander, Naturalist 75: 5).

History Midlothian Ornithological Club (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 53, under 'Isle of May Bird Observatory Autumn Report for 1936', say: '...There was, however, a slight though only temporary increase in the number of birds on the 28th...a second Red-breasted Flycatcher was observed.'

W. B. Alexander (1949) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXV. p. 5, says: 'In the autumn of 1936, during my visit to the Isle of May I saw 11 Flycatchers on the island of which 8 were Spotted (Muscicapa striata) and 3 Red-breasted (M. parva).'

77). 1936 Isle of May No locality, two, seen, 4th October, one until 5th October.

(Midlothian Ornithological Club, Scottish Naturalist 57: 52; Eds., British Birds 31: 123).

History Midlothian Ornithological Club (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 53, under 'Isle of May Bird Observatory Autumn Report for 1936', say: '...Apart from a slight increase on the 5th, birds were not very numerous...The most interesting species observed were: - Red-breasted Flycatcher (two on the 4th and one on the 5th).'

79). 1937 Norfolk Scolt Head, two, early October.

(S. H. Long, Transactions of Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 14: 274; S. H. Long, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1937: 4; Eds., British Birds 32: 22; Witherby et al., 1940-52).

History S. H. Long (1937) in the Transactions of Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XIV. p. 274, says: 'During the first two weeks of October Mr. Douglas Powell was resident on the island and among the migrants noted by him were Lapland Bunting, two male Red-breasted Flycatchers and a Bluethroat.'

In an Editorial (1938) in British Birds, Vol. XXXII. p. 21, in a Review of the Transactions of Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, for 1937, they say: 'On Scolt Head Island two Red-breasted Flycatchers were noted in the first-half of October.'

81). 1937 Shetland North Ness, Lerwick, Mainland, female, obtained, 7th October, now at Shetland Museum.

(Pennington et al., 2004).

History Pennington et al. (2004) say: 'A female in the Shetland Museum was obtained on 7th October 1937.'

82). 1938 Yorkshire Spurn, seen, 24th September.

(C. W. Mason, Naturalist 64: 16; R. Chislett, Naturalist 64: 39; Eds., British Birds 33: 29; Witherby et al., 1940-52; Chislett, 1958; Mather, 1986).

History C. W. Mason (1939) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXIV. p. 16, Under 'Annual Report, 1938', says: 'Spurn. An immature or female Red-breasted Flycatcher was seen at Spurn on September 24th (G.R.E.).'

R. Chislett (1939) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXIV. p. 39, under 'Birds at Spurn, Autumn, 1938', says: 'An immature (or female) Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa p. parva) was seen on September 24th by G.R.E., who noted at once it was a flycatcher, "tail black in centre and terminal band, with white on either side; breast warm buff on sides, light in centre, flanks and belly white".'

In an Editorial (1939) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIII. p. 29, under 'Birds at Spurn, Yorks.', they say: 'We are glad to see that Yorkshire ornithologists are taking up regular watching and recording of migrants at Spurn Point, which years ago attracted many students of migration. Mr. Ralph Chislett contributes an article to the Naturalist (1939, pp. 37-42) on the results of visits paid by several ornithologists between July and November, 1938. Among the birds identified may be mentioned a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa p. parva) on September 24th.'

Chislett (1958: 63) states that it was recorded by G. R. Edwards in the Spurn log book.

83). 1939 Greater London Ladbroke Square, Notting Hill, Middlesex, first-winter, 8th August.

(A. S. M. Self, London Bird Report 1998: 166; A. S. M. Self, London Bird Report 1999: 157, corr.; Self, 2014).

History A. S. M. Self, London Bird Report 1998: 166, says: ‘This becomes the first London record. This record only recently came to light as the observer (Eric Simms, see corr.) had forgotten to submit the record due to the outbreak of war!’

Comment Unusual date though!

84). 1939 Yorkshire Spurn, seen, undated.

(Eds., Naturalist 66: 120).

History W. H. Pearsall & W. R. Grist, Editors (1940) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXVI. p. 120, say: 'Species recorded for 1939 and not mentioned in Mr. H. F. Witherby's notes [for 1938-39] include Red-breasted Flycatcher.'

85). 1941 Norfolk Hickling, adult male, seen, 3rd September.

(J. Vincent, British Birds 35: 129; J. Vincent, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1941: 14).

History Jim Vincent (1941) in British Birds, Vol. XXXV. p. 129, says: 'On September 3rd, 1941 as I was cycling through the village of Hickling, I saw an adult male Red-breasted Flycatcher fly off the wire stay of a telegraph pole into a willow tree within a few yards of me. It was facing me when I first saw it on the wire stay, and settling on the willow tree it again faced me. As I watched it flew down to a wire fence, and quickly flew back to cover again. The white patches at the base of the tail were very noticeable in flight and also when perched, as it often flicked its tail in flycatcher manner. Its red breast gave it the appearance of a Robin in miniature. I saw the late E. Ramm of Cley kill an adult of this species with a very red breast in September 1908, as it settled on the rigging of an old smack in Blakeney Harbour.'

86). 1941 Norfolk Great Plumstead, seen, 20th September.

(M. J. Seago, Transactions of Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 16: 47).

History M. J. Seago (1944) in the Transactions of Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XVI. p. 46, says: 'Another adult male at Gt. Plumstead, 20th September, 1941 (M. Seago).'

87). 1943 Buckinghamshire Boddington Hill, near Wendover, seen, 4th May.

(F. W. Watkyn-Thomas, British Birds 37: 156; Lack & Ferguson, 1993).

History F. W. Watkyn-Thomas (1944) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVII. p. 156, says: 'On 4th May 1943, my wife and I observed a Red-breasted Flycatcher on the outskirts of the wood on the slopes of Boddington Hill, near Wendover. The bird was taken for a darkish Robin Erythacus rubecula, until it did the typical "flycatcher" performance and showed the white patches on the base of the tail at the sides.'

88). 1943 Kent Medhurst Row, Bough Beech Reservoir, seen, 8th May.

(R. E. Allfrey & R. M. J. Knaster, British Birds 37: 156; R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1944: 25; Harrison, 1953).

History Robert E. Allfrey and R. M. J. Knaster (1944) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVII. p. 156, say: 'On 8th May 1943, we observed a bird, identified as Red-breasted Flycatcher in a field at Medhurst Row, Kent. The bird was observed without field-glasses when flying. It perched at regular intervals on a large oak tree in the shade, which made observation of it when at rest very difficult. I t made periodic circuits in the air, swooping and darting after flies, but always returning to the same tree. It appeared to be about the size of an ordinary Swallow. The body was chestnut-brown, the breast a vivid scarlet and there appeared to be a white band on either side of the tail. Since neither of the witnesses is an ornithologist no especial importance was attached to it, and it was only due to a chance discussion with Mr. B. S. Whidborne that it appeared to be a rare occurrence.' Accepted locally (Kent Ornithological Society).

89). 1943 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, 11th September.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1943: 14; Allard, 1990).

History C. E. Gay (1943) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 14, under 'Miscellaneous Notes', says: 'Dr. Ley at Great Yarmouth noticed particularly the number of flycatchers in the town and saw a Red-breasted Flycatcher in his own garden.'

Allard (1990) says: 'On 11th September 1943 Dr. L. Ley found one in his Yarmouth garden and was the first for the area.'

90). 1943 East Glamorgan Llanishen Reservoir, female, 12th September.

(G. C. S. Ingram, British Birds 37: 134-135; G. C. S. Ingram & H. Morrey Salmon, Ornithological Notes, 1938-46; Eds., British Birds 41: 317).

History G. C. S. Ingram (1943) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVII. pp. 134-135, says: 'On 12th September 1943 along a hedge adjoining Llanishen Reservoir...I saw a bird which I thought was a Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia corruca, until I saw it in flight, which was characteristically that of a flycatcher. Between flights it kept to the middle of the hedge and when it darted out in pursuit of insects - which it invariably did on the opposite side of the hedge to me - I once or twice caught sight of a flash of white about the tail. I got fairly close to it several times as it sat in the hedge. It always sat facing me, against the dull light, opening and preening its wings once or twice.

As a Spotted Flycatcher and a Willow Warbler came near it on one occasion, I was able to see that it was smaller than the former and about the same size as the latter. At rest it had something of the pose and appearance of a Pied Flycatcher, but there was no trace of white on its wings. All upper-parts, including wings, appeared to be mouse-grey with no spots or streaks or light feather edges; throat dusky-cream; lower neck and breast white without markings of any kind. Unfortunately its tail was lost in the deep shadows of the hedge, but having caught a sight of white there as it flew, I was certain it could only be a female Red-breasted Flycatcher, a new species for the county and for Wales.'

In an Editorial (1948) in British Birds, Vol. XLI. p. 317, in a Review of the 'Ornithological Notes, 1938-46', they say: 'Llanishen Reservoirs, Red-breasted Flycatcher (female, September 12th, 1943).'

91). 1944 Hampshire Southsea, male, 1st May.

(D. J. Gunston, British Birds 38: 174; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History D. J. Gunston (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 174, says: 'On the evening of 1st May 1944, a male Red-breasted Flycatcher was identified in his garden in Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, by Dr. P. Hamilton Boyden. The bird was hunting insects in the air with the distinctive flycatcher flight. Its red breast first caught the observer's attention and caused momentary confusion with a Robin Erythacus rubecula, which closer observation dispelled. The bird's slender appearance induced Dr. Boyden to examine it to examine it with a glass, and although he unfortunately cannot definitely recall having seen the characteristic tail pattern he verified the identification at once with a text book.

The garden is surrounded by trees, which, although affording good shelter for birds, made observation somewhat difficult. Dr. Boyden also noticed the unusual call-notes of the bird, sounding distinctively tinkling or bell-like and repeated four or five times. These continued for about half an hour in the vicinity after it had left the garden. A bird which may have been a female of the species was seen in the locality a few days later, but unfortunately its identity could not be confirmed.'

[It is unfortunate that the distinctive tail pattern was not seen, but we are satisfied after correspondence with the recorder that the record can be accepted....The fact that the call-note of the species was heard and correctly described confirms the identification. - Eds., B.W.T.]

92). 1944 Wiltshire Near Calne, adult, seen, 13th May.

(S. K. Taylor, British Birds 38: 173-174; Buxton, 1981).

History Susan K. Taylor (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. pp. 173-174, says: 'On 13th May 1944, near Calne, in company with Christine Willis, Rachel Judd and Anne Tanqueray. I saw a small bird on the edge of a beech-wood behaving like a flycatcher. It flew into a tree whose branches overhung the lane. At first the light was against us and I took it for a Spotted Flycatcher, but when we had gone a few yards on and stopped to look at it again, we noticed that it had a red breast and this was clearly seen by all of us. We watched it flying out some twelve feet or so above us from a bare projecting branch four or five times in succession and returning to the same perch.

Finally it flew to another tree and we did not see it again. When it was on the branch we twice heard it give a short rattling note, and we agreed on this description of the call on our way back and before consulting The Handbook. We had not got field-glasses and unfortunately did not notice the tail pattern, but we are sure that the bird was a Red-breasted Flycatcher. There is not the least possibility that it was a Robin; its whole behaviour and appearance were unmistakably those of a flycatcher. I visited the place again later, but did not see any sign of it.'

93). 1944 Shetland Lerwick, Mainland, adult female, 23rd to 27th September.

(G. T. Kay, British Birds 38: 213-214).

History G. T. Kay (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. pp. 213-214, says: 'My aviary has been empty of bird life for two years. As it contains a number of trees and bushes I had an idea that by opening the trap door overhung by trees in the garden, perhaps some of the migrants which visit my garden at Lerwick, Shetland, every autumn, would pass through to the aviary and afford me an opportunity of seeing them at close quarters. This is just what has been happening. Nothing out of the usual had paid a visit until 23rd September [1944], when I noticed a very shy little bird keeping amongst the thickest of the foliage. Its behaviour was that of a small warbler until it darted out, caught a fly and returned. Though definitely a flycatcher it neither resembled the Pied nor the Spotted. Subsequent glimpses revealed an ashy-brown back with buffish-white under-parts and broad white patches at either side of the basal half of the tail, the latter conspicuous in flight and only a little less so when settled.

The Handbook's description of the Red-breasted Flycatcher fitted the bird perfectly, an adult female. During the past five days it has been passing out and in through the trap door and is inside as I write. Watching it through a window at close quarters I have noted it feeding exactly like a warbler, for minutes at a time, on green-fly, caterpillars and other leaf insects and then suddenly dart out at a fly. There is no flicking of the wings like the Pied and Spotted but there is a flicking upward of the tail as The Handbook describes.'

94). 1945 Lancashire & North Merseyside Mitton Hall, Clitheroe, adult male, seen, 4th October.

(C. Oakes, British Birds 39: 117; Oakes, 1953; Spencer, 1973).

History Clifford Oakes (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. p. 117, says: 'On October 4th, 1945, a warm, sunny day, I watched for some ten minutes a male Red-breasted Flycatcher, in a woodland clearing at Mytton [sic] Hall, N.E. Lancashire. The bird was first seen in flight, possibly having been disturbed by a noisy flock of Rooks Corvus frugilegus, which alighted in a line of tall oak trees a short distance away. As it flew past me within a few feet I caught a glimpse of a reddish breast, and as the bird turned to alight it showed a brown back and white edges to a blackish tail. On its perch in the bough of an oak its colours were somewhat hidden by the foliage, but it made a flicking movement of the tail, revealing white patches on each side but not extending to the tips of the feathers.

For a few minutes the bird moved about among the leaves like a warbler and then made a second sweeping flight across the clearing to a tall ivy-covered elm. Here the specific characters were again well seen, with the addition of a clear view of its pale underparts and red breast. Also, it again confined its activities to moving about among the foliage in leaf-warbler fashion; no flycatching sallies after insects were observed. After a few minutes it disappeared and was not seen again, but its small size, colouring, and characteristic flight-actions made the identification certain. This is the first occurrence of the Red-breasted Flycatcher in Lancashire.'

95). 1946 Isle of May No locality, female, seen, 18th May.

(H. F. D. Elder, Scottish Naturalist 60: 178; Scottish Naturalist 68: 150; Bannerman, 1953-63).

History H. F. D. Elder (1948) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LX. p. 178, says: 'One on 18th May. This bird was not trapped, but was observed at close quarters. The white at the bases of the tail were not as prominent as in some specimens and was sometimes not visible when the bird was at rest. The large dark robin-like eye was striking. There was no trace of red on the throat or breast and must, therefore, have been a female. The first spring record for the island.'

96). 1946 Cumbria Loughrigg Fell, near Ambleside, Westmoreland, male, seen, 10th September.

(B. J. Bird, British Birds 40: 84; Hutcheson, 1986).

History Barbara J. Bird (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 84, says: 'As The Handbook makes no mention of the Red-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa p. parva, having been seen in Westmorland the following notes may be of interest. On September 10th, 1946, in a wood on the south-east side of Loughrigg Fell, near Ambleside, Westmorland, I saw what was evidently a male of the species. The bird, which was perched on the branch of a tree, appeared smaller than a Robin, and the upper-parts seemed darker than those of that bird. The breast was red, the rest of the under-parts buffish, and the white on either side of the base of the tail was plainly visible, especially when the bird jerked this appendage slightly, which it did several times. I did not see the tail cocked over the back. The call, which was only heard once, was harsh, rather like the scolding note of a Wren Troglodytes troglodytes.'

97). 1946 Isle of May No locality, first-winter, seen, 29th September.

(H. F. D. Elder, Scottish Naturalist 60: 179; Scottish Naturalist 1956: 150; Bannerman, 1953-63).

History H. F. D. Elder (1948) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LX. p. 179, under 'Isle of May Bird Observatory Report for 1946', says: 'One on 29th September. Was a female or first-winter.'

98). 1946 Yorkshire Spurn, first-winter, trapped, 29th September.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 72: 69; Eds., British Birds 40: 382; Chislett, 1958).

History R. Chislett (1947) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXII. p. 69, says: 'A young bird was ringed at Spurn on September 29th (W.B.A., G.R.E. etc.).'

In an Editorial (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 382, in a Review of the above, they say: 'A young Red-breasted Flycatcher ringed at Spurn on September 29th.'

Chislett (1958: 19) says: 'It was fitting while on a visit that Dr. M. Radford and W. B. Alexander should catch this first for Spurn.' Further, p. 63, Chislett adds that it was handled by G. R. Edwards and W. B. Alexander.

99). 1946 Isle of May No locality, first-winter, seen, 13th October.

(H. F. D. Elder, Scottish Naturalist 60: 179; Scottish Naturalist 1956: 150; Bannerman, 1953-63).

History H. F. D. Elder (1948) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LX. p. 179, under 'Isle of May Bird Observatory Report for 1946', says: 'One on 13th October. Was a female or first-winter.'

100). 1947 Yorkshire Spurn, first-summer male, seen, 10th May.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 73: 59; Eds., British Birds 43: 62; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History Ralph Chislett (1947) in The Naturalist, Vol. LXXIII. p. 59, in the 'Annual Yorkshire Report' for 1947, says: 'A male in spring plumage was noted at Spurn on May 10th (G.H.A.).'

In an Editorial (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 62, in a Review of the above, they say: 'There are a number of interesting records from Spurn, namely in 1947, a male Red-breasted Flycatcher on May 10th.'

Chislett (1958: 20) says: 'G. H. Ainsworth had close views of a male on 10th May, 1947, at Spurn.'

101). 1947 Nottinghamshire Nottingham Sewage-farm, female, seen, 26th August.

(R. J. Raines, British Birds 41: 84-85).

History R. J. Raines (1948) in British Birds, Vol. XLI. pp. 84-85, says: 'On August 26th, 1947, I noticed a small grey and white bird creeping about in a hop-covered hedge at the base of a line of poplar trees, on the borders of the Nottingham Sewage Farm near Burton Joyce. The bird appeared to have all the characteristics of a skulking warbler except that the tail was occasionally flicked upwards and spread out revealing a characteristic pattern.

I followed the bird observing it for some time, and then threw a stone in the hedge, whereupon it flew up into one of the neighbouring poplars, where better views were obtained. It appeared to be feeding on insects among the leaves but occasionally came into view on bare twigs. During this period of observation I gained a complete picture of the bird. In size I estimated it to be slightly larger than a Willow Warbler, some of which species were present for comparison; the whole of the upper-parts and wings were a brownish, mousy-grey colour, although there was a lightish cover over the secondaries, only apparent in flight as a slight transparency; the throat and under-parts were dull white. The most characteristic feature was the tail, which had a broad white patch on either side at the base separated by brown central tail feathers. These patches extended three-quarters of the length of the tail, the rest of which was brown. The underside of the tail was greyish but also showed a brown central bar with white at the base. The bill was small and sharp, brown in colour, and the legs appeared dark brown. No call notes or utterances were heard. In flight the only striking feature was the peculiar tail pattern, which was well displayed.

The weather at this time was warm and fine with a strong NE-E wind, and the migrants appearing were a few Pied Flycatchers, Whinchats, Redstarts, warblers and wagtails. It is evident that the bird was a female Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa p. parva), a bird which does not appear to have been recorded previously in the county.'

102). 1947 Yorkshire Spurn, three, first-winters trapped, seen, 26th September, one 27th September.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 73: 59; Eds., British Birds 43: 62; Chislett, 1958; Mather, 1986).

History Ralph Chislett (1947) in The Naturalist, Vol. LXXIII. p. 59, under 'Annual Yorkshire Report for 1947', says: 'Spurn...and three young birds were caught in the trap and ringed on September 26th. During the evening they chased each other about and called frequently; one of them was still about the huts and bushes on the 28th (G.R.E., W.F.F., L.B., H.W., J.A.C.).'

In an Editorial (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 62, in a Review of the above, they say: 'There are a number of interesting records from Spurn, namely in 1947, three young Red-breasted Flycatchers trapped and ringed, Sept. 26th.'

Chislett (1958: 20) says: 'G. R. Edwards recorded in the Spurn log four Red-breasted Flycatchers seen and three were trapped on 26th September, 1947. Capt. W. B. Davies hearing of them paid a visit next day and was able to see one of them.'

105). 1947 Co. Durham Whitburn Bents, near Sunderland, first-winter, seen, 24th October.

(G. W. Temperley, Naturalist 73: 119-120; G. W. Temperley, British Birds 42: 23; Eds., British Birds 43: 64; Temperley, 1951).

History G. W. Temperley (1948) in The Naturalist, Vol. LXXIII. pp. 119-20, and (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. p. 23, says: 'On October 24th, 1947, Mr. J. R. Crawford of Sunderland saw and clearly identified a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva) on Whitburn Bents on the coast just north of Sunderland, Co. Durham.

He thus describes the occurrence: - "On October 24th, a day of continuous drizzle, cold east wind and rough seas, I was on Whitburn Bents when I observed a small slim bird moving in and out of the observation slits in a concrete "pill-box" constructed during the last war just above high-water mark. When perched its movements were wren-like and when it flew it made typical flycatcher sallies, returning to the pill-box, near which I stood. In flight its most striking character was the unique pattern of its tail - a long rectangular patch of white set on each side for three-quarters of the tail's length contrasting with the dark brown central rib and terminal portions. Its upper-parts were plain olive-brown, under-parts buffish-white, lighter under the tail. I had no difficulty in identifying it as a Red-breasted Flycatcher, no doubt a bird of the year".

This is the first record for County Durham. Nine specimens have occurred in the neighbouring county of Northumberland, all but two of them on Holy Island.'

In an Editorial (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 64, in a Review of the above, they say: 'Of rarities the chief records in 1947 are: a Red-breasted Flycatcher (a bird of the year at Whitburn Bents, Oct. 24th).'

106). 1948 Sussex Near Handcross, seen, 29th April.

(I. J. Ferguson Lees, British Birds 42: 182-183; G. des Forges, Sussex Bird Report 1948: 8; des Forges & Harber, 1963; Shrubb, 1979).

History I. J. Ferguson-Lees (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. pp. 182-183, says: 'On April 29th, 1948, I watched a small bird, which was evidently a female Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva), for a few minutes by the side of a road near Handcross, Sussex. It was noticeably smaller than the Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) and very shy and secretive, only making short nights from twig to twig in the lower branches of a tree and the upper-part of a thick hedge, except for once flying across the road and once coming down low and thence momentarily to the ground.

The following particulars were noted. Upper-parts greyish-brown and head much the same colour, though darker, White throat and under-parts, the former tinged buff. Tail dark with a broad white patch on each side at the base; it was frequently flicked and on occasion held cocked over the back. The only note heard was, once, a very subdued and short chattering call. The Handbook gives only one record of this bird for Sussex, though Walpole-Bond (History of Sussex Birds) allows some seven more.'

107). 1948 Yorkshire Spurn, seen, 8th to 9th October.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 74: 59; Eds., British Birds 43: 62; Mather, 1986).

History Ralph Chislett (1949) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXIV. p. 59, in the 'Yorkshire Bird Report for 1949', says: 'One bird was recorded at Spurn on October 8th and 9th. (G.R.E., W.F.F. etc.).'

In an Editorial (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 62, in a Review of the above, they say: 'There are a number of interesting records from Spurn, namely in 1948, a Red-breasted Flycatcher Oct. 8th and 9th.'

108). 1949 Norfolk Cley, seen, 13th May.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1949: 16).

History Miss C. E. Gay (1949) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 28, says: 'One was seen on May 13th by George Bishop.'

109). 1949 Northumberland Humshaugh, seen, 24th to 25th August.

(G. W. Temperley, Naturalist 75: 114; Galloway & Meek, 1983).

History G. W. Temperley (1950) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXV. p. 114, in the 'Annual Northumbrian Report for 1949', says: 'On August 24th, in my garden at "The Grove", Humshaugh, my attention was caught by a chirping and short song with which I was unfamiliar. I saw a bird immediately above me, perched on an electric cable. I could clearly see the red marking on the throat against a very light-coloured breast.

The bird flew in and out of an adjacent ash tree and then flew down to a low wall, thus allowing me to see it in detail from all angles. I have never seen such a bird before, so went through Birds of Wayside and Woodland and the bird is shown on Plate No. 30 in all detail exactly as I saw it. On the following day I saw it again in the same area; but have looked for it again each day since without success (C. White).'

110). 1949 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, 25th August.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1949: 28; Allard, 1990).

History Miss C. E. Gay (1949) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 28, says: 'One at a garden bird-bath in Gt. Yarmouth on August 25th, was decidedly smaller than accompanying Pied Flycatchers but behaved like them. The pale eye-rims were also noticeable (Dr. L. Ley).'

Allard (1990) says: 'On 25th August 1949 Dr. L. Ley observed one at Yarmouth.'

111). 1949 Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, first-winter, trapped, 12th September.

(A. E. Smith, Lincolnshire Bird Report 1949: 18; A. E. Smith & C. L. Ottaway, British Birds 43: 212; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History A. E. Smith (1949) in the Lincolnshire Bird Report, p. 18, says: 'A juvenile trapped and ringed during small "rush" of various species on 12th September.'

A. E. Smith & C. L. Ottaway (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 212, say: 'A juvenile trapped on September 12th.'

112). 1949 Lincolnshire Humberston Fitties, 12th September.

(S. A. Cox, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 12: 168-169; A. E. Smith & C. L. Ottaway, British Birds 43: 212; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History S. A. Cox (1949) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, Vol. XII. pp. 168-169, says: 'On September 12th a small bird was seen perching in typical flycatcher attitude on a fence rail beside a tall thorn-bush at Wad Farm, Humberston Fitties. When disturbed it dived into the bush, but was immediately recognised by the conspicuous white patches on the basal half of the tail. It was disturbed on no fewer than three occasions, before it disappeared in a low continuous hedge.

At first glance the basal half of the tail appeared wholly white, the dark central feathers not being very noticeable. It looked no larger than a Blue Tit, and, as it flew away, the upper plumage, apart from the distinctive tail, recalled a diminutive Garden Warbler. The under tail-coverts were white, and the under-parts, so far as could be ascertained, were creamy white. Easterly winds had set in the previous day. (B.A.P.).'

Accepted locally (Lorand & Atkin 1989).

113). 1949 Fair Isle No locality, seen, 13th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1949: 9; K. Williamson, British Birds 43: 48).

History Kenneth Williamson (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 48, says: 'A bird recorded on September 13th had a characteristic habit of cocking the tail above the back, after the manner of a Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes).'

[This is a typical habit of the species and is mentioned in The Handbook. - Ed.]

114). 1949 Isle of May No locality, twelve, (eight trapped, four unringed): one to three daily, 13th to 23rd September; two, 6th October, one, 7th October.

(H. F. D. Elder, Scottish Naturalist 62: 102; H. F. D. Elder, British Birds 43: 206).

History H. F. D. Elder (1950) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXII. p. 102, under 'Isle of May Bird Observatory Report, for 1949', and in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 206, says: 'Between one and three daily from 13th to 23rd September, two on 6th October and one on 7th. At least twelve individuals passed through - eight ringed and at least four unringed.'

126). 1949 Yorkshire Spurn, adult, trapped, 13th to 14th September.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 75: 10; G. H. Ainsworth & R. Chislett, British Birds 43: 209; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1949) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXV. p. 10, says: 'A bird caught at Spurn on September 13th, and seen again on the 14th, was inspected and described in detail by R. Slater, R. Crossley and H. Schofield. With a throat and upper breast of "very pale orange" the sex must have been adult.'

G. H. Ainsworth & R. Chislett (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 209, say: 'A bird that showed pale orange on the throat was caught and ringed on September 13th, with wind direction north-east; and seen again on the 14th by R. Slater, R. Crossley, and H. Schofield. This species has been recorded several times in earlier years, and how far it is to be considered a normal passage migrant, and to what degree, will be learned in the future.'

127). 1949 Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, two, first-winters: one, with ring, 17th to 21st September, another, trapped 18th September.

(A. E. Smith, Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report 1949: 18; A. E. Smith & C. L. Ottaway, British Birds 43: 212; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History A. E. Smith (1949) in the Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report, p. 18, says: 'A juvenile trapped and ringed during small "rush" of various species on 12th September. A ringed bird, perhaps the same, seen on 17th, and a second juvenile ringed on 18th. One bird subsequently seen daily until 21st.'

A. E. Smith & C. L. Ottaway (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 212, say: 'A ringed bird, perhaps the same [as the 12th], on 17th [September]; a second juvenile trapped on 18th; one bird seen subsequently till September 21st.'

Accepted locally (Lorand & Atkin 1989).

129). 1949 Northumberland Brownsman, Farne Islands, female or immature male, seen, 20th September.

(G. W. Temperley, Naturalist 75: 114).

History G. W. Temperley (1950) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXV. p. 114, in the 'Annual Northumbrian Report for 1949', says: 'On September 20th, on the Brownsman, Farne Islands, one, a hen or immature cock (H.T., F.J.N., A.M.).'

130). 1949 Fair Isle No locality, two, first-winters, trapped, 21st September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1949: 9; K. Williamson, British Birds 43: 48).

History Kenneth Williamson (1949) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 9, says: 'Two more Red-breasted Flycatchers were caught on 21st September.'

Kenneth Williamson (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 48, says: 'Two first-winter birds trapped on September 21st had the legs black, soles olive-brown, and bill dark brown with flesh-pink at the base of the lower mandible. The gape was yellow.'

132). 1949 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 21st September.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1949: 28).

History Miss C. E. Gay (1949) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 28, says: 'One at The Hood, Blakeney Point, on September 21st (Mr. Higgins).'

133). 1949 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, first-winter, 26th September.

(P. J. Conder & J. Keighley, British Birds 43: 213-214; Anon., Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1949: 10; Betts, 1992).

History P. J. Conder & Joan Keighley (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. pp. 213-214, say: 'One on September 26th on the rocks at the bottom of the cliffs. It was watched for an hour at distances of 10 to 40 yards through 7 x 50 binoculars. At longer ranges the characteristic features were the leaf warbler colouration of the body, the Robin-like shape, the long tail and elongated hind-part of the body, particularly when the tail was held erect, and lastly the white on the basal two thirds of the outer tail-feathers. This was particularly easily seen when the bird was twisting and turning in flight.

Another characteristic was that the tail was held almost vertically when the bird was perched (cf. antea, p. 48), and that it was continually flicked upwards, usually in double jerks. In contrast to the tail the wings, which were usually dropped beneath the tail, seemed very small. From closer ranges a small greyish-yellow stripe could be seen running from the bill to the eye, which was surrounded by a pale circle. A patch of yellow, partly hidden by the wings, could be seen on the flanks. On the greyish-yellow breast there seemed to be regular rows of pale grey patches running downwards. The yellow of the breast shaded into white on the belly. The bird was continually on the move, catching insects in the air in swift, flurrying flights, frequently returning after a flight with a radius of about 5 feet to the same perch, where it sat with the tail flicking almost vertically. It occasionally flew up the cliffs, but then after two or three minutes dived down, with wings closed, to the rocks on which it was most frequently seen.

This is apparently the second record of this species for Wales, the first having been seen near Cardiff in August 8th, 1943 (antea, Vol. XXXVIII. pp. 134-135).'

Betts (1992) says: 'This first-winter was seen in the Purple Cove, Skokholm on 26th September 1949 and was the first for Pembrokeshire and second for Wales.'

1950-57 RECORDS

134). 1950 Nottinghamshire Burton Meadows, adult, 13th August.

(R. J. H. Raines, British Birds 44: 312-313; A. Dobbs, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1950-54: 38).

History R. J. H. Raines (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. pp. 312-313, says: 'On August 13th, 1950, whilst walking near the sewage farm at Nottingham, I was attracted by a Redstart-like call note in a hedgerow. Instead of the expected Redstart, I glimpsed a small, greyish warbler-like bird; it was very skulking and disappeared before I could obtain good views. A short time later I was joined by Mr. and Mrs. A. Dobbs and as we were talking the bird began to call again.

We had great difficulty in getting good views of the bird, only glimpsing it in the hedgerow, but good views were obtained when it perched high in an ash tree and as it perched openly on a fence post; Mrs. Dobbs had a remarkable view when the bird dipped a few feet in front of her.

This bird proved to be an adult female Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva). It was a small grey and white looking bird about the size of a Marsh Tit (Parus palustris) with which it was compared, but much more slender in appearance. Its habits in the hedge were very warbler-like, except for an occasional upward flick of the tail, but when perched on the post it sat like a flycatcher. The upper parts were uniform greyish brown, the under-parts and throat dull white; the only outstanding feature was the white panels extending almost three-quarters the length of the tail; these were seen clearly when the bird flicked its tail, and when it flew in front of Mrs. Dobbs. The bill was small and sharp, black or dark horn in colour, the legs dark brown.

In flight the white in the tail was conspicuous and both Mr. and Mrs. Dobbs remarked that there appeared to be a lightish area at the base of the secondaries, a character which I noticed on the previous Nottinghamshire bird.'

135). 1950 Fair Isle South Harbour, 25th to 27th August.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (6): 3; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 11; K. Williamson, British Birds 44: 225; Bannerman, 1953-63).

History K. Williamson (1950) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (VI). p. 3, says: 'An immature bird on the south shore, August 25th.'

K. Williamson (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 225, says: 'There was a bird in the South Harbour area, feeding along the shore, August 25-27th.'

136). 1950 Fair Isle Observatory, first-winter male, trapped, 21st September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (7): 6; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 11; K. Williamson, British Birds 44: 225-226; Bannerman, 1953-63).

History K. Williamson (1950) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (VII). p. 6, says: 'A 1st winter male on September 21st weighed 10.17 gm. Two 1st winter birds trapped on this date in 1949 weighed 8.5 gm. and 9.5 gm.'

K. Williamson (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. pp. 225-226, says: 'A first-winter male was trapped on September 21st.'

137). 1950 Yorkshire Spurn, male, 5th October.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 76: 59; G. H. Ainsworth & R. Chislett, British Birds 44: 229; Chislett, 1952).

History R. Chislett (1951) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVI. p. 59, says: 'K. Fenton saw a male at Spurn on October 5th, and a juvenile was caught on October 22nd (R.C., H.G.B.).'

138). 1950 Isle of Wight Newtown, 12th October.

(Eds., British Birds 44: 313; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).

History In an Editorial (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 313, says: 'Mrs. J. B. Priestley has forwarded to us an account of an observation made at Newtown Marsh, Isle of Wight, on October 12th, 1950, by Mrs. M. Seabroke. A flycatcher was seen behaving in a rather restless way and frequently nicking its tail up. A good view was obtained and the bird remained under observation for a long time. The white patches at the base of the tail and the redbreast were seen well. Mrs. Seabroke had previously seen Red-breasted Flycatchers abroad and had no doubt that the bird seen at Newtown Marsh was of that species. To the best of our knowledge this species has not previously been recorded in the Isle of Wight. It will be noted that one was seen at Lundy on October 20th.'

139). 1950 Fair Isle No locality, first-winter male, trapped, 13th October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 11; K. Williamson, British Birds 44: 225-226; Bannerman, 1953-63).

History K. Williamson (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. pp. 225-226, says: 'A first-winter male was trapped on October 13th.'

140). 1950 Devon Lundy, first-winter, 20th October.

(D. Lea, British Birds 44: 234; D. Lea, Lundy Field Society Report 1950: 8; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1950: 18; Moore, 1969).

History D. Lea (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 234, says: 'One on October 20th, characterized by the white patches at the base of the tail, and its restive habits, continually flicking the tail which was held almost vertically.'

141). 1950 Yorkshire Spurn, juvenile, trapped, 22nd October.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 76: 59; G. H. Ainsworth & R. Chislett, British Birds 44: 229; Chislett, 1958).

142). 1951 Northumberland Craster Tower, Alnwick, 8th June.

(G. W. Temperley, Naturalist 77: 115; Eds., British Birds 46: 230; Galloway & Meek, 1983).

History G. W. Temperley (1952) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVII. p. 115, under 'Ornithological Report for Northumberland and Durham for 1951', says: 'On June 8th at Craster Tower, Alnwick, Northumberland, an adult male was seen. Its red throat and its flycatcher habit of hawking insects were noted. It only remained for one day (Mrs. J.M.C.) This is the first time that this species has been recorded for Northumberland on the spring migration. Only about a dozen have so far been recorded, all on the autumn passage.'

Accepted locally (Galloway & Meek 1983).

143). 1951 Surrey Ockham to Martyrs Green road, 10th June.

(E. L. Crouch, British Birds 45: 258; Parr, 1972).

History E. L. Crouch (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 258, says: 'At about 12.30 p.m., on June 10th, 1951,1 saw a very small bird perched on a low barbed-wire fence on the Ockham and Martyrs Green road in Surrey; I identified it as a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva). It was not more than about 4½ in. in length. Upper-parts were grey-brown with the head greyer still; bill brownish. The throat and upper breast were a warm orange, darker on the chin and throat. The breast patch was medium in width and short in length. The under-parts were creamy-white and the under tail-feathers conspicuously white, seeming to extend to the side of the tail and maybe onto the top of the tail though I was unable to get a clear view of the bird from above. The legs were brownish in colour.

The bird was very active like all flycatchers, and its tail and head were moving all the time. The tail was flicked rapidly up and down and the head seemed to move in time with it. The bird did not call during the five minutes I had it under observation.'

144). 1951 Norfolk Blakeney Point, first-winter, 26th August.

(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1951: 26; R. A. Richardson, British Birds 45: 242).

History Anon. (1951) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 26, says: 'A female seen at Cley on August 26th by A. & C. Hitchon. A convincing description was given to R. A. Richardson.'

R. A. Richardson (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 242, says: 'A female or immature on Blakeney Point on August 26th.'

145). 1951 Kent Near Brookland, Romney Marsh, 6th September.

(Harrison, 1953; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

History Harrison (1953) Vol. II. p. 199, says: 'One seen on 6th September 1951 in the upper branches of a belt of tall willows near Brookland, in the Romney Marsh by G. E. Manser (in litt., 13.x.1951). He describes it as: "Generally Robin-like bird with a noticeable large brown eye, but smaller in size than nearby Spotted Flycatchers. Upper parts greyish buff and under parts creamy in colour, with no noticeable breast markings. White patches on either side of the dark tail feathers were obvious in flight and when perched, and were revealed by occasional flicking. A soft Robin-like "tack" was heard". In the twenty minutes that he and B. S. Milne had the bird under observation it only descended once to the lower branches.'

146). 1951 Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, two, one juvenile trapped, 8th September.

(A. E. Smith, Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report 1951: 21; A. E. Smith & R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 45: 239).

History A. E. Smith (1951) in the Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report, p. 21, says: 'Two on afternoon on 8th September. One of these, which was trapped, was a juvenile.'

A. E. Smith & R. K. Cornwallis (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 239, say: '...During the first of the fine spells, which was characterized by light, north-easterly winds, there was a small but interesting movement of passerines on 6th and 8th when, among other species, two Red-breasted Flycatchers...appeared.'

148). 1951 Kent Herne Bay, two, 11th September one to 13th September.

(Harrison, 1953; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

History Harrison (1953) Vol. II. p. 298, under 'Addenda' says: 'During September 1951 a pair of Red-breasted Flycatchers visited the garden of F. Steel (in litt., 30.i.1952) near Herne Bay. He writes: "The female bird was here for 2½ days from the 11th with the male bird only for a day on the same date...The plumage was a ruddy breast with a brown back and light underneath for the male bird, whilst the female was minus the red breast. In size I should think between four and five inches". Although Steel did not memorise the tail characters, I feel there is no doubt as to the correct identification of the birds he saw.'

150). 1951 Fair Isle No locality, 26th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 6; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 231).

History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (V). p. 6, says: 'M. parva, Sept. 26th.'

151). 1951 Isles of Scilly Peninnis, St Mary's, 30th September to 6th October.

(B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1951: 37; Eds., British Birds 46: 145).

History B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick (1951) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXI. p. 37, say: 'September 30th. On St. Mary's, I saw one sitting on the hedge by the road out to Peninnis. When first seen it had its back to me, this appeared brownish as did the head; what I saw of the underparts appeared whitish. When it flew I saw the white on the tail. It gave a clear, strong call in flight.

When it dropped to a lower branch, after catching something, I had a good view of orange on the breast, also well seen as it moved up and down the hedge and darted in and out. The white and orange on its front were very clearly defined. It was definitely smaller than a Spotted Flycatcher and did not pose like one. It was seen on several occasions until October 6th and always late in the afternoon. W.P.K. [This may have been an immature male. - Eds.]

152). 1951 Isle of May No locality, three, 1st October, two trapped, one remaining to 7th October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 17; A. G. S. Bryson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1952: 32; A. G. S. Bryson, British Birds 45: 232).

History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (V). p. 17, says: 'Three on Oct. 1st, one remaining till 7th.'

A. G. S. Bryson (1952) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 32, under 'Report of the Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station Committee 1951-52', says: 'Three arrived on 1st October 1951, two being trapped.'

155). 1951 Northumberland Low Newton, 1st to 2nd October.

(G. W. Temperley, Naturalist 77: 115; Eds., British Birds 46: 230; Galloway & Meek, 1983).

History G. W. Temperley (1952) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVII. p. 115, under 'Ornithological Report for Northumberland and Durham for 1951', says: 'On October 1st and 2nd in a garden at Low Newton, Northumberland, a female was observed and colour-filmed at Close quarters. It was neither as secretive nor so prone to avoid the ground as The Handbook suggests. The highly characteristic slow flirting of the tail and the note, intermediate between Spotted Flycatcher and Redstart, were noted (E.A.R.E.).'

Accepted locally (Galloway & Meek 1983).

156). 1951 Devon Lundy, adult female, 5th October.

(P. E. Davis, British Birds 45: 298; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 14; Moore, 1969).

History P. E. Davis (1959) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 298, says: 'Single adult females, October 5th and November 2nd. Second and third records for the island.'

157). 1951 Isles of Scilly St Agnes, 16th and 18th October.

(B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1951: 37; Eds., British Birds 46: 145).

History B. H. Ryves, A. G. Parsons & H. M. Quick (1951) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXI. p. 37, say: 'October 16th. On St. Agnes a small brownish bird was seen slipping through the tamarisks; it was suggestive of a Chiffchaff, but a flash of white from the tail negatived such. It perched on a wall, revealing itself as a Flycatcher, but lacked the spots and streaks of a Spotted, and the white wing-bar of a Pied Flycatcher. The incessant upward flicking of the tail soon showed the striking black-and-white pattern, like a Wheatear in miniature, and identified the bird as a Red-breasted Flycatcher.

Since a male would have had at least a partially red breast and juveniles a spotted or scaly plumage, it was evidently a female. After disappearing for two days she was seen again, on October 18th, and watched at intervals all day. There was a striking resemblance in pose and figure to a Robin, and this was enhanced by the whitish orbital ring which, although only visible at close range, gave an impression of size to the eye. H.M.Q.'

158). 1951 Devon Lundy, adult female, 2nd November.

(P. E. Davis, British Birds 45: 298; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 14; Moore, 1969).

History P. E. Davis (1959) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 298, says: 'Single adult females, October 5th and November 2nd. Second and third records for the island.'

159). 1952 Norfolk Burnham Norton, male, 9th May.

(C. E. Gay, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1952: 17).

History C. E. Gay (1952) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 17, says: 'A male at Burnham Norton, 9th May, alighted on hemlock; conspicuous white outer tail feathers noted in flight (S.E.).'

160). 1952 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, 16th and 18th September.

(R. A. Richardson, British Birds 46: 432).

History R. A. Richardson (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 432, says: 'A female or immature, September 16th and 18th.'

161). 1952 Yorkshire Spurn, first-winter, 1st October.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 78: 77; Chislett, 1952, 1958; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1952) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVIII. p. 77, says: 'Juveniles occurred at Spurn on October 1st and October 20th (ringed).'

162). 1952 Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, 3rd October.

(A. E. Smith, Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report 1952: 18; A. E. Smith & R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 46: 429, 430).

History A. E. Smith (1952) in the Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report p. 18, says: 'One in the trapping hollow on 3rd October, clearly identified by characteristic tail pattern.'

A. E. Smith & R. K. Cornwallis (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 429, say: '...on 3rd a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva).' Further, p. 430, they add: 'One in the trapping hollow on October 3rd clearly identified by Dr. K. B. Rooke by the characteristic tail pattern.'

163). 1952 Yorkshire Spurn, first-winter, trapped, 20th October.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 78: 77; G. H. Ainsworth & R. Chislett, British Birds 46: 427; Chislett, 1952, 1958; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1952) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVIII. p. 77, says: 'Juveniles occurred at Spurn on October 1st and October 20th (ringed).'

164). 1952 Lancashire & North Merseyside Formby Point, 31st October.

(C. Oakes, Lancashire Ornithological Report 1950-56: 59; Spencer, 1973).

History C. Oakes (1956) in the Lancashire Ornithological Report, p. 59, says: '1952. 31 Oct. One in trees bordering a garden near Formby dunes was first seen at a distance of 3 feet. It was a small brown bird with buff underparts, white chin and dark brown primaries. The throat and breast were a delicate orange-buff. Tail dark brown or blackish with white marginal feathers each side at base nearly half the length of the tail. Probably a juvenile in first-winter plumage (R.J.R.). Second record for the county.'

165). 1953 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 7th September.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1953: 43; Eds., British Birds 47: 319; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 47: 425, 426).

History M. J. Seago (1953) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 43, says: 'Single birds, Blakeney Point, 7th And 17th September (Cley Obs.).'

166). 1953 Hampshire Farlington, three, male and two females or first-winters, 14th September.

(E. Cohen, Birds in Hampshire 1953; D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 369; Cohen & Taverner, 1972; Clark & Eyre, 1993).

History D. D. Harber (1956) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. p. 369, in a review of the Birds in Hampshire, says: 'The following records must be considered doubtful: two Red-necked Grebes on 20th December, the description being quite inadequate; a female Little Bittern on 9th August, from one observer without any description; two Red-breasted Flycatchers in September, no description being given although it is stated that one is available...'

Clark & Eyre (1993) state there was a male and two females or first-winters that were in a Farlington garden on 14 Sep. 1953.'

169). 1953 Fair Isle Vaadal, adult female, trapped, 15th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 119; K. Williamson, British Birds 47: 299; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 47: 425).

History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 119, says: 'A female adult was trapped in Vaadal on 15th, weighing 8.83 gm. It is interesting to compare this weight with 10.85 gm. for a 1st-winter bird trapped on the afternoon of 13th October under weather conditions suggestive of redetermined passage.'

170). 1953 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 17th September.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1953: 43).

History M. J. Seago (1953) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 43, says: 'Single birds, Blakeney Point, 7th And 17th September (Cley Obs.).'

171). 1953 Kent Sandwich Bay, 3rd October.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1953: 31; D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 363).

History E. H. Gillham (1953) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. II. p. 31, says: 'One at Sandwich Bay estate on Oct. 3 (D.F.H., D.J.O., J.N.H.). Breast uniform pinkish buff; chin whitish; back buff-brown to pinkish brown; white panels at sides of tail. Slender appearance similar to Redstart and when perched on a fence it flicked both wings and tail a good deal.'

172). 1953 Fair Isle No locality, first-winter, trapped, 13th October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 119; K. Williamson, British Birds 47: 299).

173). 1954 Surrey River Wey, Eashing, seen, female, 25th May.

(P. Bond, Surrey Bird Report 1954: 25; Parr, 1972).

History P. Bond (1954) in the Surrey Bird Report, p. 25, says: 'One previous record (1951). On 25.5.54 A female was watched for about 15 minutes on the edge of a wood overlooking the Wey at Eashing. The bird spent most of its time skulking amongst the foliage. When plainly visible, it was seen to be constantly flicking up its tail, revealing a broad white patch at the base; breast and underparts were a dull white, with a slight tinge of buff on the throat. Head and upper parts were of a grey-brown (G.S.E.).'

174). 1954 Norfolk Blakeney, 25th to 28th August.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1954: 42).

History M. J. Seago (1954) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 42, says: 'One at Blakeney, 25th to 28th August (H.H.). Full details submitted.'

175). 1954 Greater London/Kent Mouth of River Darent, adult male, seen, 12th September.

(F. H. Jones, London Bird Report 19: 37; London Natural History Society, 1964).

History F. H. Jones (1954) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XIX. p. 37, says: 'On Sept. 12th near the mouth of the River Darent, J.T.H. watched a male for about half an hour flycatching from the posts of a fence in the lee of the river wall, the wind at the time being easterly and strong. He described it as "a small bird about 4-4½ inches long...the most striking feature was the brilliantly white patch at the base of the tail which was most obvious when in flight and when it flicked its tail, which it did frequently whilst sitting on the posts. Binoculars revealed a typical flycatcher beak, light brown back, grey-brown head, white sides to that part of the tail nearest the base, a rose-pink throat and upper breast, and pale (off-white) underparts: also noticeable was the "chinless" effect so apparent with the Spotted Flycatcher".'

176). 1954 Isles of Scilly St Agnes, 7th to 8th October.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1954: 32; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 49: 409).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Editors (1954) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIV. p. 3, say: 'October 7th. A female or juvenile male first seen feeding from a hedge, St Agnes; next day it was watched at close quarters feeding in a field of kale. It was not seen after these two days.'

177). 1954 Yorkshire Spurn, 8th October.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 80: 89; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 438; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 49: 406; Chislett, 1958; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1955) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXX. p. 89, says: 'One at Spurn on October 8th (G. R. Wilkinson, E. Huyton).'

178). 1954 Dorset Portland Bill, 13th to 14th October.

(K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 76: 170; J. S. Ash, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 76: 187; J. S. Ash, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 283; Ash, 1956).

History K. B. Rooke (1954) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXVI. p. 170, says: 'One watched for a considerable time in a hedge at Portland Bill, Oct. 13th-14th (Mr. and Mrs. E. Cohen). Characteristic black-and-white tail pattern, with white patches on outer tail, seen several times in flight and when tail flicked up over back. Other features seen included the following: apparently smaller size than Pied Flycatcher; brownish upper-parts without wing-bars; throat pale buff; breast deeper buff; lower breast and belly very pale grey; large dark eye. This is the first definite Dorset record.'

Ash (1956: 187) clearly states: '...one near the Old Low Light on Oct. 13th and 14th, is the first record.'

Green (2004: 418) states the period as 12th and 14th Oct.'

179). 1954 Caernarfonshire Bardsey, 19th to 20th October.

(R. Thearle, Bardsey Observatory Report 1954: 25; P. E. Davis & J. Weaving, British Birds 48: 531; Jones & Dare, 1976).

History R. Thearle (1954) in the Bardsey Observatory Report, p. 25, says: 'An adult female in Plas Bach Withy Bed on 19th and 20th October. General impression was of a small brown bird with buff-white underparts and dark brown tail with white patches at the sides of the basal half. This bird was very active, constantly flitting tail, making short sallies after insects, or dropping to the ground and then returning to its perch. It was very tame and both Alan Till and I had excellent views of it at close range; we both noticed that it seemed a good deal smaller than hypoleuca, although none was present for comparison.'

P. E. Davis & J. Weaving (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 531, say: 'The following isolated records of unusual birds are given for the sake of completeness: Bardsey: ...one Red-breasted Flycatcher, 19th and 20th October.'

180). 1954 Devon Lundy, female, 23rd October.

(P. Davis & J. Weaving, British Birds 48: 532; B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1954: 18; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1954: 47).

History B. Whitaker (1954) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 18, says: 'One October 23rd. A female, probably adult.'

181). 1954 Kent Dungeness, adult female, trapped, 24th October, photo.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1954: 31; D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 365).

History E. H. Gillham (1954) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. III. p. 31, says: 'An adult female trapped at D.B.O. on Oct. 24, was photographed and a full description entered in the D.B.O. records (L.B., G.R.S., J.B., H. & J. Fennell, et al.).'

182). 1955 Isle of Man The Lhen, male, 24th April.

(T. E. Corlett, Peregrine 2 (5): 3; Cullen & Jennings, 1986).

History T. E. Corlett (1955) in the Peregrine, Vol. 2. p. 3, says: '1955. 24th April. One, Ballacallum, Andreas. New Manx record (T. E. Corlett and J. Davidson).'

Admitted locally (Cullen & Jennings 1986).

183). 1955 Greater London Chiswick, 13th August.

(F. H. Jones, London Bird Report 1955: 32; Self, 2014).

History F. H. Jones (1955) in the London Bird Report, p. 32, says: 'Chiswick, one making frequent sallies from a wire fence to catch flies on Aug. 13th; it was smaller than a Robin, with a more orange-red breast; the back was brownish grey with white showing on either side of the rump; its movements were similar to the Spotted Flycatcher (R.D.).'

184). 1955 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 28th to 29th August.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 54; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 110).

History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 54, says: 'One. Blakeney Point, 28th to 29th August (P.R.C., P.D.K., R.A.R.).'

185). 1955 Norfolk Holme-next-the-Sea, adult, 30th August.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 54).

History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 54, says: 'An adult male, Holme, 30th August (I.C.T.N.).'

186). 1955 Greater London/Surrey Beddington Sewage-farm, 31st August to 6th September.

(P. Bond, Surrey Bird Report 1955: 25; F. H. Jones, London Bird Report 1955: 32; Parr, 1972; Wheatley, 2007).

History P. Bond (1955) in the Surrey Bird Report, p. 25, says: 'Between Aug. 31st and Sept. 6th a bird was watched on several occasions at Beddington S.F., creeping through the willows and taking short fly-catching flights; it appeared extremely shy; in flight the white tail patches were extremely conspicuous (B.S.M., R.E.S., M.J.C., K.D.E.). M.J.C. comments that the flights were more in the manner of a Willow Warbler than a Spotted Flycatcher.'

F. H. Jones (1955) in the London Bird Report, p. 32, says: 'Beddington S.F., one from Aug. 31st to Sept. 6th (B.S.M., R.E.S. et al.). A very small Robin-like flycatcher, slightly larger than a Blue Tit; upperparts greyish-brown with greyish head and cheek; upper breast orange-red, shading to a paler colour down the sides of the breast; remainder of underparts pale cream colour; tail dark with two conspicuous white patches. It frequently made short flycatching flights, revealing the extremely conspicuous tail patches, but when aware of human presence, became very shy and retiring, moving about in trees and undergrowth in the manner of a leaf warbler.'

Wheatley (2007: 523) states it stayed to the 16th.

187). 1955 Shetland Foula, 16th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 35).

History K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 19, says: 'There was a party of 10 Lapland Buntings on September 16th and other rarities including a Barred Warbler, Scarlet Grosbeak and Red-breasted Flycatcher.'

188). 1955 Shetland Foula, adult female, 21st September.

(C. K. Mylne, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 63; E. E. Jackson, Scottish Birds 4: 49).

History C. K. Mylne (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 63, says: 'Red-breasted Flycatcher M. parva on the 21st.'

E. E. Jackson (1966) in Scottish Birds, Vol. IV. p. 49, under 'The Birds of Foula', says: 'An adult female was seen at Ham Voe on 21st September 1955.'

189). 1955 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, first-winter, 1st to 6th October.

(Anon., Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1955: 13).

History Anon. (1955) in the Skokholm Bird Observatory Report, p. 13, says: 'A first-winter bird, October 1st to 6th. Second record for Skokholm.'

190). 1955 Shetland Sumburgh, Mainland, 4th to 5th October.

T. Henderson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 78).

History T. Henderson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 78, says: 'Miss I. M. N. Ryan, H. E. Axell and I. J. Ferguson-Lees watched a bird in Sumburgh House gardens on Oct. 4th-5th.'

191). 1955 Fair Isle Observatory, trapped, 5th October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 19; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 60; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 111).

History K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 19, says: '...October 8th. This was a few days after our capture of a Red-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa parva, and eastern species of which no fewer than 6 were recorded in the Shetland area in the late autumn, whilst others appeared at Bird Observatories as far as Fair Isle as Portland Bill...'

R. K. Cornwallis (1957) in British Birds, Vol. L. p. 112, under '4th-21st October 1955', says: 'Calm col weather on the 4th brought a Yellow-browed Warbler to Fair Isle, the first Redwings and Fieldfares to Isle of May and Lapland Buntings to Spurn and Cley. An occlusion which crossed the North Sea that night brought the first Turdidae (including 200 Redwings) to Fair Isle on the 5th; there was also a Red-breasted Flycatcher there.'

192). 1955 Devon Lundy, female, 11th October.

(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1955: 16; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1955: 51).

History B. Whitaker (1955) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 16, says: 'One female October 11th.'

193). 1955 Fair Isle No locality, 11th October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 36).

History K. Williamson (1955) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 36, says: 'With the wind falling calm in Shetland on 11th some redetermined passage developed and 7 Blackcaps, as well as single Red-breasted Flycatcher, Redstart and Garden Warbler appeared.'

194). 1955 Isle of May No locality, 12th October.

(W. J. Eggeling, Scottish Naturalist 68: 45; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 112).

History W. J. Eggeling (1956) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXVIII. p. 45, under 'Isle of May Bird Observatory Report', says: '12th October 1955, one.'

195). 1955 Fair Isle No locality, 15th October.

(R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 112).

History R. K. Cornwallis (1957) in British Birds, Vol. L. p. 112, under '4th-21st October 1955', says: 'Until the 15th, weather was calm or light westerly and the migration observed was southerly coastal or redetermined. Two Yellow-browed Warblers and a Red-breasted Flycatcher at Fair Isle.'

196). 1955 Dorset Portland Bill, first-winter male, trapped, 23rd October.

(K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 77: 74; J. S. Ash, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 91).

History K. B. Rooke (1955) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXVII. p. 74, says: 'First-winter male seen at Old Low Light, Portland Bill, and subsequently trapped, Oct. 23rd (H.G.A., J.S.A., F.R.C., M.D.C. et al.) - the second definite Dorset and Portland record, in the same place and month as the first (Oct. 13th-14th, 1954).'

197). 1955 Lincolnshire Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe Dunes area, 23rd to 24th October.

(R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith, Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report 1955: 18).

History R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith (1955) in the Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report, p. 18, say: 'S-T Res., 23-24/10 (C.L.O., A.E.S.).'

198). 1955 Shetland Lerwick, Mainland, 24th October.

(M. Rusk & I. M. N. Ryan, British Birds 49: 36, plate 4; T. Henderson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 78).

History T. Henderson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 78, says: 'One was seen at Lerwick Observatory by Mr. Ivor McLean on Oct. 24th.'

199). 1956 Suffolk Pakefield, 2nd September.

(K. Williamson, British Birds 52: 349; F. K. Cobb, Suffolk Bird Report 1956: 24; Payn, 1978).

History F. K. Cobb (1956) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 24, says: 'One at Pakefield on Sept. 2nd is apparently the first recorded in the county. A small flycatcher, with pale olive fawn upperparts, underparts cream coloured with russet flush on upper breast, tail dark with prominent white patch each side at base (L.F.C.).'

200). 1956 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, 3rd September.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 50; K. Williamson, British Birds 52: 349).

History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 50, says: 'Single birds at Cley, 3rd September (R.J.J.).'

201). 1956 Northumberland Fenham, first-winter, 8th September.

(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 12: 62; K. Williamson, British Birds 52: 349).

History G. W. Temperley (1956) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XII. p. 62, says: 'On September 8th at Fenham, N. a hen or first-winter bird, with several Pied Flycatchers and one Spotted. "On September 8th-9th within 24 hours I saw four species of Flycatcher!" (B.L.).'

202). 1956 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, 9th September.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 50; K. Williamson, British Birds 52: 349).

History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 50, says: 'Single birds at Cley, 9th September (M.A.C.).'

203). 1956 Gower Oxwich Marsh, two, 10th September.

(H. Morrey Salmon, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1955-56: 23; Grenfell & Thomas, 1982).

History H. Morrey Salmon (1955-56) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. LXXXV. p. 23, says: 'Two birds of this species were seen at Oxwich on September 10th, 1956. They were under observation for half-an-hour and the characteristic features of plumage, including the white patches at the base of the tail, were clearly visible. One was considered to be certainly a female, and the other probably so. Spotted Flycatchers, M. striata, were also present for comparison (C.S., K.L. & J.M.L. - Gower Orn. Soc.). Previous occurrences of this species in South Wales have been in September also.'

205). 1956 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 18th September.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 50; K. Williamson, British Birds 52: 349).

History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 50, says: 'Single birds at Blakeney Point 18th September (J.F.P., B.R.S., Cley Obs.).'

206). 1956 Lothian Barns Ness, 23rd September.

(F. D. Hamilton, K. C. Hogarth & K. S. Macgregor, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 6: 69; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 69: 175).

History F. D. Hamilton, K. C. Hogarth & K. S. Macgregor (1957) in the Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, Vol. VI. p. 69, says: 'On 23rd September a visit was made to Barns Ness for the dual purpose of trapping waders and seeing whether there was any evidence of migration. We caught no waders but saw plenty of migrants. In a small garden by the lighthouse a variety of birds was watched: One Black Redstart; at least 5 Common Redstarts; 1 Pied Flycatcher; 1 Whinchat; 1 Willow Warbler (very probably "Northern") and a lovely Red-breasted Flycatcher. All the birds were very tame and excellent views were obtained of all species...The Red-breasted Flycatcher appears to be only the second record for the Scottish Mainland (See Baxter & Rintoul Birds of Scotland Vol. I: 48).'

207). 1956 Northumberland Holy Island, two, 24th September.

(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 12: 62).

History G. W. Temperley (1956) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XII. p. 62, says: 'On the 24th on Holy Island, two, an adult cock and hen. (B.L.).'

209). 1956 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 26th September.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 50; K. Williamson, British Birds 52: 349).

History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 50, says: 'Single birds at Blakeney Point 26th September (J.S.).'

210). 1956 Dorset Portland Bill, first-winter, 1st to 2nd October.

(A. J. Bull et al., Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 78: 46; K. D. Smith & J. S. Ash, British Birds 51: 28; K. D. Smith, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 159).

History A. J. Bull (1956) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXVIII. p. 46, says: 'Portland Bill: a first-winter or adult female was watched on the afternoon of Oct. 1st and was still present next day (P.B.O.). This is the third Dorset record.'

211). 1956 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 8th October.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 50).

History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 50, says: 'Single birds at Blakeney Point 8th October (H.H.).'

212). 1956 Northumberland Fenham, first-winter, 13th October.

(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 12: 62).

History G. W. Temperley (1956) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XII. p. 62, says: '...and on October 13th at Fenham, a hen or first-winter bird (B.L.).'

213). 1956 Co. Durham Cleadon, South Shields, adult male, 11th November.

(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 12: 62).

History G. W. Temperley (1956) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XII. p. 62, says: 'On November 11th in the village of Cleadon, South Shields, D., an adult cock was identified. (M.S. & P.H. per F.G.G.)....and the South Shields bird is only the second seen in County Durham.'

214). 1957 Caernarfonshire Bardsey, female, trapped, 1st to 15th June, photo.

(R. W. Arthur, Bardsey Observatory Report 1957: 27; Jones & Dare, 1976; Roberts, 1985).

History R. W. Arthur (1957) in the Bardsey Observatory Report, p. 27, says: 'A female ringed from the Withy on 15th June. Photographed after a detailed examination. Only previous record is of a single in October 1954.'

215). 1957 Northumberland Palmersville, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, male, 27th June.

(F. G. Grey, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 12: 216; Galloway & Meek, 1983).

History F. G. Grey (1957) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XII. p. 216, says: 'A male at Palmersville, near Newcastle, on the unusual date of June 27th. (I.C & I.H.).'

216). 1957 Yorkshire Spurn, male, 29th August.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 83: 67; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1958) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXIII. p. 67, says: 'A male bird with red throat, and a Pied Flycatcher, appeared together to G.H.A. and R.C. on wires near the Warren trap, Spurn, on August 29th.'

217). 1957 Northumberland Holy Island, 4th September.

(F. G. Grey, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 12: 216; Galloway & Meek, 1983).

History F. G. Grey (1957) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XII. p. 216, says: 'One on Holy Island on September 4th. (M.B. et al.).'

218). 1957 Isles of Scilly Bryher, female, 8th September.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1957: 35).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1957) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. p. 35, say: 'September 8th. A female seen on Bryher was very tame. (F.E.C.).'

219). 1957 Norfolk Morston, 22nd September.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1957: 43).

History M. J. Seago (1957) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 43, says: 'Singles at Morston, 22nd September (E.A.C.). Satisfactory details.'

220). 1957 Isles of Scilly Parsonage, St Agnes, first-winter, 3rd October.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1957: 35).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1957) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. p. 35, say: 'St. Agnes. October 3rd. An immature. (B. P. Pickess, A. V. Smith).'

221). 1957 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 8th October.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1957: 43).

History M. J. Seago (1957) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 43, says: 'Singles at Blakeney Point, 8th October (P.R.C., P.D.K.). Satisfactory details.'

222). 1957 Devon Lundy, 18th to 19th October.

(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1957: 19; S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1957: 46).

History B. Whitaker (1957) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 19, says: 'One October 18th, 19th.'

223). 1957 Isles of Scilly St Mary's, first-winter, 31st October.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1957: 35).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1957) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. p. 35, say: 'October 31st. Single female or immature. (D. Parr).'

224). 1957 Fair Isle No locality, first-winter, trapped, 4th November.

(P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1957: 21; P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 4: 17).

History P. E. Davis (1958) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. IV. p. 17, says: 'Single immature birds trapped on November 4th and 5th.'

225). 1957 Fair Isle No locality, first-winter, trapped, 5th November.

(P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1957: 21; P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 4: 17).

History P. E. Davis (1958) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. IV. p. 17, says: 'Single immature birds trapped on November 4th and 5th.'

226). 1957 Isles of Scilly St Mary's, first-winter, 7th November.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1957: 35).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1957) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII. p. 35, say: 'November 7th. Single female or immature. (F. W. H. Underwood, J. Mortimer).'

227). 1957 Northumberland Embleton, 9th November.

(F. G. Grey, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 12: 216; Galloway & Meek, 1983).

History F. G. Grey (1957) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XII. p. 216, says: 'In the easterly wind and rain of November 9th, a first-winter bird on Embleton links. (W.S.C., J.E.R., E.A.R.E.).'

NOT PROVEN

0). 1890 Sussex Near Brighton, shot, undated.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[Witherby et al., 1940-52; A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 345) says: 'In 1890 one was shot by Mr. Swaysland near Brighton. It passed to the Crewe collection, and at the dispersal of that collection in 1925 was purchased for the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton.'

Not accepted locally (Sussex Ornithological Society) who list their first record as occurring in 1948, second in 1967.

Comment Swaysland has been discredited (A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98). Crewe has also been found to be unconcerned of where the specimens came from. Not acceptable.

0). 1896 Norfolk Coastal locality, seen, September.

(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1897: 138).

[Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999].

History J. H. Gurney, jun. (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. p. 138, says: '...Another was seen in September by a good observer near the sea, which makes four for Norfolk.'

Not accepted locally (Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling 1999).

Comment No locality, no observer identified. For once I have to disagree with Gurney on this one, as do Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling (1999).

0). 1903 Cheshire & Wirral Poynton, male, late June.

(E. Tristram, Field 18th July 1903: 138; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 149)

[Coward, 1910].

History Edward Tristram of Poynton (1903) in The Field of 18th Jul., Vol. CII. p. 138, says: 'During the last fortnight in June my garden was frequented by a bird which I am convinced must have been a Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva). It closely corresponded with the description and figure of that species in Morris's British Birds. I first observed it sitting on the tennis net, or to the top of a rustic arch a few yards away. Its breast was red, very like a Robin's, the crown of its head almost black the wings black, back very dark grey, and the under part of the tail white. On two or three occasions it settled on the ground and hopped a yard or two along the lawn after a fly. It jerked its tail after the manner of the Spotted Flycatcher, which is quit common here. I saw the bird for at least six mornings prior to the end of June, but am sorry to say have not observed it since.'

Coward (1910: 185) placing the record in square brackets, says: 'Mr. Edward Tristram of Poynton states that during the last fortnight in June, 1903, a bird frequented his garden, which he is "convinced must have been a Red-breasted Flycatcher". June is an altogether improbable month for this species to be seen in Britain; all the properly authenticated occurrences have been between the middle of September and the end of January. Apart from this, Mr. Tristram's description of the Poynton bird is vague, and "the crown of its head almost black" does not suggest the Red-breasted Flycatcher. The fact that it hawked for flies in the air does not prove that it was a Flycatcher, but whatever the bird may have been, it is inadvisable on such data to give the species a definite place in the Cheshire avifauna.'

0). 1907 Yorkshire Thearne Hall, Beverley, two, seen, 4th June.

(H. R. Jackson, Naturalist 33: 291; E. W. Wade, Naturalist 33: 420; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 149; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

[KAN].

History Harold R. Jackson of Hornsea (1907) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. p. 291, says: 'On June 4th, 1907, I heard the note of a bird quite unknown to me. It was singing a low warbling note of very little power. I saw the bird close to me, very low down in a thick hawthorn hedge skirting a beech plantation. Presently it flew up higher into the branches of the hedge, and was joined by another, evidently of the same species, for when the second bird joined the first the singing ceased and the male bird commenced flirting with the hen. The movements of the male were those of a Robin as often seen at pairing time: he raised and lowered his head and tail as if making most elaborate bows, and I feel certain the birds were nesting somewhere near.

They were about the size of a Willow Warbler, and when seen were in bad light, being in the hedge under the shade of the branches of large beech trees, but the colour of both was a uniform light brown, the striking marking of the male being a bold red patch under the throat, extending partly down the breast. The birds were under observation for six or seven minutes, and my sister, who was with me, noticed the red throat referred to above, and also the peculiar warbling note. The birds were, in my opinion, Red-breasted Flycatchers, and were seen at Thearne Hall, near Beverley. Mr. Haworth Booth informs me that he saw a male this spring at Hull Bank House about a mile-and-a-half, as the crow flies, from where I saw the pair. He saw the bird on May 20th, and reported it in The Field on the 25th.'

E. W. Wade of Hull (1907) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. p. 420, says: '...and on 4th June Mr. H. R. Jackson saw male and female of the same birds at Thearne, about a mile distant [from Hull Bank House].'

Accepted locally (Chislett 1952: 87; Mather 1986).

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.

0). 1909 Fife No locality, two, seen, 10th to 24th June.

("W.S." Field 10th July 1909: 94).

["Hy. S." Field 17th July 1909: 144].

History "W.S." (1909) in The Field of 10th July Vol. CXIV. p. 94, under 'Red-breasted Flycatcher in Fifeshire', says: 'I had a pair of Red-breasted Flycatchers (Muscicapa parva) under close observation in Fifeshire from June 20 to 24. The place they frequented was a steep rocky bank with southern exposure, covered with ivy and tangled undergrowth, a high beech plantation forming the background. A wire fence runs across the bank in a slanting direction, and on this one or both of the pair were to be seen at any one time of the day. They displayed all the actions of the Spotted Flycatcher, making short flights from the fence and back again, taking insects on the wing, but occasionally flying up amongst the tops of the beeches. While perched they kept dropping their wings and lifting their tails, and the male bird especially showed a great deal of white on the sides of the tail. I thought they might possibly be nesting, and spent much time searching for the nest, but without success.'

"Hy. S." (1909) in The Field of 17th July, Vol. CXIV. p. 144, under 'Red-breasted Flycatcher in Fifeshire', says: 'The note under this heading in last weeks Field is based on an error of observation on the part of the writer. A similar note, with the same signature, appeared in the Scotsman of June 25. The writer communicated the exact locality to Mr. Eagle Clarke, on whose suggestion Mr. William Evans, of Morningside Park, Edinburgh, visited the place and found it frequented by a pair of Spotted Flycatchers, but no other species of Muscicapa was to be seen. Mr. Evans recorded these facts in the Scotsman of July 5, and added that he believed other observers had visited the place with a similar result.'

Comment Misidentified - Spotted Flycatchers. Not acceptable.

0). 1910 Sussex Eastbourne, shot, September.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[Witherby et al., 1940-52].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 345) says: 'Mr. E. C. Arnold informs me that Mr. F. Wise shot a Red-breasted Flycatcher in Holywell Priory, Eastbourne, in September, 1910.'

Not accepted locally (Sussex Ornithological Society) who list their first record as occurring in 1948, second in 1967.

0). 1916 Sussex Rye Harbour, female, killed, 3rd October, now in the Booth Museum, Brighton.

(J. B. Nichols, British Birds 11: 45; W. Ruskin Butterfield, Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist 3: 76-77; Witherby, 1920-24; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History J. B. Nichols (1917) in British Birds, Vol. XI. p. 45, says: 'I wish to record the occurrence of the following birds in Sussex in 1916: - Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa p. parva).- A female was shot by J. Saunders at Rye Harbour, Sussex, on October 3rd, 1916. It was examined in the flesh by Mr. H. W. Ford-Lindsay.'

Admitted by Witherby (1920-24) and locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 345) who adds: 'From J. B. Nichols collection it passed to the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1921 Devon Exmouth, two, seen, late May to mid-July.

(Eds., British Birds 15: 142).

[Eds., British Birds 15: 142; Moore, 1969].

History In an Editorial (1921) in British Birds, Vol. XV. p. 142, under 'Possible Red-breasted Flycatcher in Devon', they say: 'Mr. W. Walmesley White sends us a description of two birds seen by Miss Brownell in her garden at Exmouth on several occasions between the third week in May and mid-July, 1921. The description both of the plumages and call-notes answers well to those of Muscicapa parva, but the species is a very difficult one to identify on the part of an observer who has had no previous acquaintance with it.'

Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent ornithologist. Not acceptable.

0). 1925 Sussex Bognor Regis, seen, autumn.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[Witherby et al., 1940-52].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 345) says: 'A. F. Griffith (1927) in a footnote mentions that one was seen by a unnamed person at Bognor in the autumn of 1925.'

Not accepted locally (Sussex Ornithological Society) who list their first record as occurring in 1948, second in 1967.

0). 1928 Sussex Battle, seen, September.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[Witherby et al., 1940-52].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 345) says: 'One possible seen by Mr. R. G. Williams at Battle in September, 1928.'

Not accepted locally (Sussex Ornithological Society) who list their first record as occurring in 1948, second in 1967.

0). 1931 Sussex Hove, male, seen, 22nd February.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[Witherby et al., 1940-52].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 345) says: 'Through a phone call on February 22nd, 1931, I learn from Mr. N. Y. Tessier that he was watching that day an old male in his garden at Hove.'

Not accepted locally (Sussex Ornithological Society) who list their first record as occurring in 1948, second in 1967.

0). 1931 Bedfordshire Whipsnade Park Zoo, three: male and probably two females, seen, 30th April.

(D. Seth-Smith, British Birds 25: 54; Witherby et al., 1940-52; Trodd & Kramer, 1991).

[P. Trodd, Bedfordshire Naturalist 41 (1986): 51].

History David Seth-Smith (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 54, under 'Probable Red-breasted Flycatcher in Bedfordshire', says: 'On April 30th, 1931, a keeper named Billet at the Zoological Society's Park at Whipsnade was feeding some Cranes and Pheasants at the side of a wood, when he observed a small bird, less than ten yards distant, which was quite strange to him. He noticed at once its red throat and white breast, and white in the tail. There were two other birds with it which appeared to be hens of the same species.

Billet is a careful observer and went straight away to consult his books. On his way he met MacDonald, the Head Keeper and a very keen observer of birds, and told him of his discovery. MacDonald soon found the three birds, which he saw at once were Flycatchers, though of a kind he had never before seen. Billet, having consulted Coward's Birds of the British Isles, decided that the birds could be no other than Red-breasted Flycatchers (Muscicapa parva) and hurried back to see if they were still there. He found them in or near the same spot and, with MacDonald, watched them for some time. I have questioned both men, who are familiar with all the common British birds.

Their attention was naturally chiefly bestowed upon the cock-bird, and Billet said the points which he especially noticed were: the small extent of the red on the throat as compared with that of the Robin; the call, which he described as a twice-repeated note, somewhat resembled that of the Chiffchaff, and the habit of jerking the tail up and down. MacDonald noticed, besides the red on the upper-breast, that the central tail-feathers were dark, while the outer ones were mostly white, and the bird spent its time in capturing insects on the wing and returning frequently to the same spot. The three birds remained in the same place until dusk, but had gone by the next morning. Both men are good and reliable observers and I can only think that the one bird at least was indeed a Red-breasted Flycatcher.'

Witherby et al. (1940-52) say: 'Others reported seen Beds....' However, it has not been accepted locally (P. Trodd, Bedfordshire Naturalist 41 (1986): 51).

0). 1934 Sussex Near Eastbourne, seen, September.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[Witherby et al., 1940-52].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 345-346) says: 'Mr. F. Wise's son identified one in September, 1934, at the foot of the sea-cliffs near Eastbourne, as I am informed by Mr. E. C. Arnold.'

Not accepted locally (Sussex Ornithological Society) who list their first record as occurring in 1948, second in 1967.

0). 1935 Gloucestershire Kempsford Manor, Fairford, two: male and female, 21st August.

(C. E. Bryant, Field 11th Jan., 1936: 80; Witherby et al., 1940-52; Swaine, 1982).

[Kirk & Phillips, 2013].

History C. E. Bryant of Kempsford Manor, Fairford (1936) in The Field of 11th Jan., Vol. CLXVII. p. 80, says: 'On the afternoon of August 21st, I noticed a bird, unknown to me, perching on the tennis-surround netting in my garden, and with a pair of field-glasses I identified it as a male Red-breasted Flycatcher. I also noticed his mate flying about with him. As I believe these birds to be rarely found so far inland, I thought it might be of interest to you.'

[We did not publish this earlier, the Red-breasted Flycatcher being so scarce a visitor to this country that one would not wish to jeopardise the safety of this pair by disclosing the locality. Major Bryant assured us of his accuracy of his identification and at this date it seems safe to place the facts on record. - Ed.]

Witherby et al. (1940-52) say: 'Others reported seen...Gloucester.'

Swaine (1982) says: 'C. E. Bryant (pers. comms.) reported a male at Kempsford Manor, Fairford on 21st August 1935, and was said to be accompanied with a female.' Not accepted locally (Kirk & Phillips 2013).

Comment Swaine, ex BBRC, with his wording doesn't seem to place much faith in this record, and neither do I. Not acceptable.

0). 1937 Sussex Ditchling, two/three, seen, 23rd to 30th July.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[KAN].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 346) says: 'Between 23rd and 30th July, 1937, Mr. And Mrs. W. H. Pryce-Jones, after looking at the coloured plate in Coward's Birds of the British Isles, that they saw two or three of these birds in their garden at Ditchling.'

Not accepted locally (Sussex Ornithological Society) who list their first record as occurring in 1948, second in 1967.

0). 1937 Wiltshire Swindon, seen, 20th August.

(F. W. Frohawk, British Birds 31: 149-150).

[Eds., British Birds 31: 149-150].

History F. W. Frohawk (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. pp. 149-150, says: 'I have recently heard from the Rev. D. Percy Harrison writing from Lydiard Millicent Rectory, Swindon, stating: On August 20th, 1937, about 12 noon, on a small Atlantic pine on the lawn opposite his study window about 10 yards off only, he saw a small bird, which behaved like a Spotted Flycatcher flying down, taking an insect and flying back to its perch, but it had a splash of red on its throat and breast. "The bird appeared smaller, much slimmer, and of a paler brown on the upper parts than the Spotted Flycatcher. The tail seemed to have the outermost feather on each side white or whitish".

He immediately recognized it as the Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva). This is the second specimen (wild) Mr. Harrison has seen. Years ago he saw one in Cornwall. He also examined one in the flesh killed at Tresco, Scilly Islands.

[The date is very early for the Red-breasted Flycatcher, and there seems to be no previous record for August. - Eds.]

Palmer (1991: 157) says: '...one record in May 1944.'

Not accepted locally (Wiltshire Ornithological Society 2007).

0). 1944 East Glamorgan Bridgend, adult male, seen, 20th September.

(G. C. S. Ingram & H. Morrey Salmon, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1948-50: 31).

[G. C. S. Ingram & H. Morrey Salmon, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1948-50: 31].

History G. C. S. Ingram & H. Morrey Salmon (1948-50) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. LXXX. p. 31, recording the record in square brackets, say: 'It is probable that an adult male in summer plumage was seen at Bridgend on 20th September 1944, by Mr. and Mrs. Rothery, who furnished a very good description of the bird and its song. Completely satisfactory identification was not possible, however.'

0). 1947 Leicestershire & Rutland Evington, first-winter, seen, 3rd October.

(F. A. Bak, British Birds 41: 183-184; F. A. Bak, Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland 1947: 21; Hickling, 1978).

[R. M. Fray, Leicestershire & Rutland Bird Report 2003: 128-133].

History F. A. Bak (1948) in British Birds, Vol. XLI. pp. 183-184, says: 'On October 3rd, 1947, Mr. K. Culbert observed a bird at Evington in Leicestershire with which he was not familiar. Full field-notes were taken, from which the bird was identified as an immature Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa p. parva), The bird kept to the lower branches of trees, making short flights or continually on the move from branch to branch, rarely coming down except on two occasions when it came down to a fence. The grey-brown back, darker brownish-grey head, white throat, yellowish-creamy under-breast, and brown-black tail with half white edging, carried cocked over the back and continually flicking up and down were all noted. This is the first occurrence of the Red-breasted Flycatcher in Leicestershire.'

F. A. Bak (1948) in the Report on the Wild Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland, p. 21, says: 'An immature was seen at Evington on October 3rd by K.C. Approached to within a very few feet, excellent views were obtained and a full description of plumage; call notes and behaviour leave no doubt of identification. This is the first occurrence of the species for Leicestershire.' However, R. M. Fray (2003) in the Leicestershire & Rutland Bird Report, pp. 128-133, states there are anomalies in the description and that the record is now unacceptable.

0). 1949 Suffolk No locality, 23rd to 25th July.

(W. M. Marsden, British Birds 43: 85).

[Payn, 1978; Not in Piotrowski, 2003].

History W. Murray Marsden (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 85, says: 'During the period July 23rd to 25th, 1949, I had a male Red-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva) under observation in Suffolk. The bird behaved as a "flycatcher", but its demeanour - short flights and skulking in shadow - with its general carriage, recalled the Dusky Flycatcher (Alseonax adustus) known to me in S. Africa.

The general colouring was "robin" brown and pale buff, with whitish abdomen. The red marking was limited to throat and breast, with a slight but constant medial indentation at the lower end. In flight, some palish white showed among the primaries. The outer tail-feathers on each side were white, darkening towards their ends. This was clearly shown when it spread its tail in sunshine, fan-wise, as though in display. At times I heard a song, rather like that of a Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), but I failed to see the bird singing. Spotted Flycatchers (M. striata) were also about, including birds of the year, but this bird seemed to hold aloof from them. They did not, however, "persecute" it, and it visited a bird-bath when they were present, though usually seen there alone.'

Payn (1978: 213, 2nd ed.) says: 'First for Suffolk was 1956.'

Not accepted locally (Piotrowski, 2003).

0). 1949 Cornwall Morvah Hill, male, seen, 30th September.

(B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1949: 18; Penhallurick, 1978).

[KAN].

History B. H. Ryves & H. M. Quick (1949) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XIX. p. 18, say: 'On September 30th, my attention was attracted by a persistent call - "pink, pink" - rather like that of a Chaffinch, of which there are none near my house on Morvah Hill. I went out to look for the bird, and finally located the source of the call as a small bird, with orange throat and breast, which was certainly not either a Redbreast, Chaffinch, Linnet or Stonechat, with all of which I am perfectly familiar. The local birds were bullying and chasing it, and it finally went off down the hill. On returning to the house I was able immediately to identify it from my reference books as a male Red-breasted Flycatcher (J. & M.T.).'

Penhallurick (1978: 279) erroneously says: 'One was seen at Morvah Hill on 30th September 1944.'

Comment It was published in the 1949 Report with details and no specific mention of the year. Penhallurich did not state a correction. The description is extremely poor. Not acceptable.

0) 1952 Isle of Wight "Woodlands", eight, 20th July.

(E. H. White, Proceedings of the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1952: 250).

[KAN].

History E. H. White (1952) in the Proceedings of the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1952, p. 250, says: 'July 20th. A family of eight Red-breasted Flycatchers in and about the hedge opposite "Woodlands". This was also confirmed by another observer.'

Comment This would be an exceptional number of the species together. Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1952 Ayrshire Near Troon, pair, September.

(H. L. McNaughton, Field 7th Oct., 1954: 671).

[E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 68: 7].

History Harry L. McNaughton of Craiglea Hotel, Troon (1954) in The Field of 7th Oct., Vol. CCIV. p. 671, says: 'In September, 1952, you published a letter from me saying that in the early days of the month my wife and I had seen a pair of Red-breasted Flycatchers in the garden of this seaside hotel.

Last year we saw none of these birds, but this year, on September 6th and 7th, I saw a single female Red-breasted Flycatcher. I saw no trace of the cock bird.'

Not accepted nationally (E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 68: 7).

0). 1954 Surrey Ockham, 10th June.

(Wheatley, 2007).

[Wheatley e-mail].

History Wheatley (2007) listed one from Ockham on 10th June 1954, but this was in error (e-mail).

0). 1954 Ayrshire Near Troon, female, 6th to 7th September.

(H. L. McNaughton, Field 7th Oct., 1954: 671).

[E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 68: 7].

Last year we saw none of these birds, but this year, on September 6th and 7th, I saw a single female Red-breasted Flycatcher. I saw no trace of the cock bird.'

Not accepted nationally (E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 68: 7).

0). 1955 Essex Canewdon, adult male, 31st July.

(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1955: 35).

[G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1961: 42; Wood, 2007].

History G. A. Pyman (1955) in the Essex Bird Report, p. 35, says: 'Canewdon; an adult male perched on telephone wires from which it made repeated aerial sallies, July 31st (K.E.W.H.). Typical flycatcher outline and habits, small size, orange-red chin and upper breast, white patches on basal half of tail, and chattering note were amongst other details noted. The species had not previously been recorded in Essex.'

Not accepted locally (G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1961: 42; Wood, 2007).

0). 1957 Yorkshire Near Huddersfield, 12th October.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 83: 67; Mather, 1986).

[R. Chislett, Naturalist 83: 67].

History R. Chislett (1958) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXIII. p. 67, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'Friends summoned E. C. J. Swabey to see a bird near Huddersfield on October 12th. It was described as robin-like, with pink throat and breast, and having a dark tail with white patches on either side of base, and it hawked for flies from a tree-stump. Unfortunately, the bird had gone when Mr. Swabey arrived.'

AC pass

Keith Naylor

Red-breasted Flycatcher

Ficedula parva (Bechstein, 1792) (133, 94)

White-spotted Bluethroat

Collared Flycatcher