GARDEN WARBLER. 340 



wholesome that it will refuse ; it generally tastes the Plums, 

 Pears, and early Apples, before it leaves us ; and, when in con- 

 finement, it also feeds freely on Elder, Privet, and Ivj Berries ; 

 it is also partial to Barberries, and a soft Apple or Pear/"' 



Mr Neville Wood says he has seen it " darting into the air 

 to catch insects, in the same manner as the Spotted Flycatcher 

 (Muscicapa grlsola), often taking its stand on a dahlia stake, 

 watching for its prey, darting aloft with inconceivable rapidity, 

 with its bill upwards, catching the fly with a loud snap of the 

 bill, and immediately returning to its station, again and again 

 to renew the same process, with similar success," 



This species, then, is found chiefly in thickets, plantations 

 or woods in which there is a rank growth of brambles, and in 

 gardens, where it lives a quiet and retired life, not usually ob- 

 truding itself on the notice of those who may have occasion to 

 visit its haunts, otherwise than by its song, which it emits in 

 the midst of the dense foliage, although sometimes when perched 

 on a tree. It feeds on insects and worms, as well as pulpy 

 fruits ; is extremely active and restless, gliding with ease 

 among the twigs, and when on the ground advancing by leap- 

 ing. Its flights are generally short and rapid ; but the charac- 

 ter of its migratory movements has not been ascertained. Its 

 nest is frequently placed on the ground, among rank grass, or 

 under the protection of brambles or other plants, and in form 

 and structure resembles that of the Whitethroats. The eggs, 

 from four to six in number, are of a regularly oval form, nine- 

 twelfths in length, six and a half twelfths in their greatest 

 breadth. It appears to rear two broods in the season, and de- 

 parts by the middle of September. 



Young. — When fledged the young resemble their parents, 

 but have the upper parts of a richer yellowish-brown tint, the 

 lower more tinged with yellow, the axillars and lower wing- 

 coverts pure yellow, the bill pale brown, the feet and claws 

 yellowish-brown. 



