40 OUR FAVOURITE SONG BIRDS 



almost Tit-like in its activity, restlessly gliding 

 through the cover, now showing itself for a moment, 

 and then disappearing again, thus retreating before 

 the observer for some considerable distance. Al- 

 though distinctly a bird of the hedges and lower 

 vegetation, it by no means confines itself to such 

 situations, and may frequently be seen high up in the 

 tall trees in quest of insects or busily engaged in 

 song. In addition to the very characteristic scolding 

 alarm-note, the bird has one which sounds like the 

 syllable tdy or pay, and another which may be likened 

 to a shrill and sharp weet or wick, both of which are 

 several times repeated. 



The male Whitethroat is a very free singer and 

 continues in voice almost from the time of his arrival 

 until the first half of July, when his voice is hushed 

 in the autumnal moult. Although this species does 

 not claim anything like the exalted rank of the two 

 preceding species as a musician, its song has a care- 

 less wild beauty which is certainly very attractive. 

 Some of the notes are harsh, but others are sweetly 

 beautiful — it is an up-and-down garrulous little song, 

 with little variety ; but what it lacks in compass and 

 tone it makes up in vigour and quantity ; for the 

 Whitethroat is a hearty and a most pertinacious 

 singer, warbling at intervals from dawn to dusk, and 

 very frequently during the quiet sultry summer nights 

 as well. Another peculiarity is the bird's habit of 

 warbling whilst hovering in the air. The Blackcap 



