16 Baby Birds at Home 



is built amongst nettle stems, in bramble, 

 brier, and other bushes. From four to six 

 eggs are laid, of a dirty greenish white colour, 

 marked with brown, and grey spots. 



Whilst the hen is sitting on her eggs, the 

 cock may be heard excitedly pouring forth 

 his song, which consists of a few sweet 

 oft-repeated notes. Sometimes, in his wild 

 joy, he mounts the air from the top of a 

 favourite bush, and fairly bubbles over with 

 song, as he descends again. 



The young are fed upon caterpillars, 

 small beetles, and all kinds of insects, and 

 it is a very pretty sight to watch the brood- 

 ing female rise and stand on the edge of the 

 nest, whilst her mate delivers his catch of 

 insects to the chicks. They both appear to 

 be very fond of their offspring, and bestow a 

 great deal of care and attention upon the 

 wee, frail creatures. 



The Common Whitethroat may often be 

 seen in the fruit garden during late summer, 

 and is accused of taking its share of the 

 good things growing there, but the labourer 

 is worthy of his hire, and the gardener owes 

 the bird a debt for good work done earlier 

 in the season. 



