188 • THE FEATHERED TRIBES. 



observation equally applies to all migratory birds kept prisoners ; tlic impulse to migrate 

 affects them powerfully, — they flutter tlieir pinions, leap up, and attempt, but in vain, to 

 escape the wiry grate in which they are incaged, and if they survive, appear for some 

 time to be dull and dispirited. 



In captivity, the blackcap requires ants' eggs, and meal-worms, and also various berries, 

 and for winter use elder-berries should be collected and di-ied ; these should be soaked in 

 water before being given, and together with meal-worms added to what Bechstcin calls 

 the universal paste, with a little bruised hemp-seed. Fresh water, for bathing and 

 drink, should be supplied every day. Yomig birds before they moult have little or no 

 distinctive difference of colouring, but the male and female in complete plumage are 

 decidedly different. In the male, the whole of the top of the head is black, the neck and 

 breast gray, the upper parts gray, tinged with oil-green ; the imder parts ashy gray. 

 The female, which is rather larger than the male, has the top of the head reddish brown ; 

 the general tints of the upper surface are of a more decided oUve hue. The plumage 

 is remarkable for the delicacy of its texture. This species has a very -wide range on the 

 continent. 



This species builds its nest amidst thick underwood bushes of whitethorn, or amidst 

 dense brambles. It is well constructed, having without the stems of grasses, wool, moss, 

 and the deserted cocoons of insects, and within a soft lining of fibre and haii'. The eggs 

 found there, varying from four to six, are of a yellowish brown, with marks of ash-gray, 

 and sjDottcd with brown. 



Second only to the nightingale in its power of song, with a strain less rich, and having 

 less volume and expression, that of the blackcap is more sprightly, warbling, and delicate. 

 It sings not only by day, but also by night during the hoiu's of the season ; but even in 

 capti\-ity, its song, except during the season of moulting, is continued throughout the 

 year. The female bird can warble too ; but her strain has not such range, and her tone is 

 low. So admirably can the blackcap imitate the notes of other birds, that the car of the 

 listener may be easily deceived. 



