LuscmiD.E. 1:35 



ivy and otlier soft berries. Some place tliemselves 

 on the summit of a busli, and pour forth at intervals 

 their clear and well-defined notes ; others utter their 

 song on the wing^ as they rise from the ground to a 

 great elevation in the air, and then return slowly to 

 the spot whence they had started. They build their 

 nests in low bushes or among nettles, constructing 

 them with the stems of plants, and lining the in- 

 terior with hair and fine fibres of roots. The eggs 

 are generally four in number. 



The type of this musical sub-family is — 



' The Nightingale {Philomela luscinia). This " Queen 

 of Song " is by no means remarkable for the beauty of its 

 plumage, although most elegant in shape. Its general 

 colour is brown, tinged with red above, and dullish grey- 

 white beneath. The Nightingale arrives in this country 

 about the middle of April, the males making their appear- 

 ance a few days sooner than their mates. They are not 

 found in the extreme west parts of England, nor in 

 Ireland ; and they do not j)enetrate further northward 

 than Yorkshire, although on the Continent they are seen 

 in Sweden. They frequent woods, plantations, and 

 orchards, and feed on insects and spiders. The observa- 

 tions of Mr. Gould, respecting the migrations of the 

 Nightingale, lead him to the conclusion that, after 

 leaving England, it proceeds to the oj^posite shores of the 

 Continent, and gradually makes its way southward until 

 it arrives in Africa, which is its ultimate resting-place 

 during our winter months. . In Africa, moreover, it 

 seems to be confined to the northern districts, nevei- 

 havmg been obtained from the central or southern jDarts 

 of that continent. In no part of Europe is it more 

 abundant than in Spain and Italy, from whence, however, 

 as from our own climate, it regularly migrates on the 

 approach of winter. The Nightmgale is exceedingly shy, 

 living ui low swampy coppices, close thickets, hedges, 

 and similar situations. It is seldom seen, its retreat 

 bemg only discovered by its peculiar call-note, and its 

 song, which for richness and power is unrivalled. 



Unlike most of the smaller birds, Nightingales 

 never associate in flocks. Then* food consists principally 

 H 2 



