DARTFORD AND GARDEN WARBLERS in 



Food. — Insects, including small moths. 



Voice. — Call, " pit-et-chow-cha-ch-cha," or a clear and musical 

 " pitchoo." A curious, impetuous song. 



Chief Features. — First noticed as a British bird by Dr. Latham in 

 1773, he having procured a pair from Bexley Heath, near Dart- 

 ford, Kent. It is a rare bird, but easily distinguished by the 

 small size, long tail, short wings, and lively disposition. 



Plumage. — Greyish-black; blackish - brown on wing -coverts and 

 feathers ; broadly tipped on outer tail-feathers, and narrowly else- 

 where, with brownish-grey; chestnut-brown underneath; white 

 belly; long tail; very short wings. Length. — Five inches. 



WARBLER, GARDEN {Sylvia hortensis) 



Local Names. — Fauvette, Fig Bird, Garden Fauvette, Greater 

 Pettychaps, Nettlecreeper, Nettlemonger, Passerine Warbler. 



Haunt. — Woods, copses, commons, and large 

 gardens. 



Nesting Period. — May and June. 



Site of Nest. — A bramble or wild rose bush 

 is a favourite site. 



Materials Used. — Dried stems of goosegrass, 

 roots, wool, and horsehair. A fragile 

 structure. 



Eggs. — Four or Five. Yellowish, mottled 

 with brown and ash. 



Food. — Small insects, and, it is said, fruit 

 and berries. 



Voice. — Call, a harsh " teck " or " chec; " 

 when alarmed, " chutch " rapidly re- 

 peated. A brilliant song is uttered; 

 it consists of a continuous ripple of 

 delightful notes of little variation, but 



remarkably sweet. There is an absence of the thin, White- 

 throat-like notes of the Blackcap's song, and the bird sings 

 whilst incessantly searching for food. 



Chief Features. — Although a very common Warbler, is doubtless 

 overlooked, being restless and little known. A Summer 

 Migrant, arriving from Africa about mid- April. Loves to hide 

 among the broad leaves of the sycamore. 



Plumage. — Greyish-brown above, tinged with olive; a patch of 

 ash-grey underneath the ear; dull white on throat; grey on 

 breast and flanks, tinged with rust-colour; remaining under 

 parts dull white. Length. — Five and a quarter inches. 



Fig. 43. Garden Warbler. 



