40 LESSER WHITETHROAT. 



of England, but in the northern and western counties 

 and in Scotland it is scarce ; in Wales it is very rare 

 and in Ireland it is practically unknown. It reaches 

 our shores about the same time as the Common 

 Whitethroat. Like it, the Lesser Whitethroat is a 

 retiring bird, preferring to keep away out of sight 

 in the hedgerows and thick shrubberies. It is very 

 fond of gardens too, more so indeed than its name- 



LESSER WHITETHROAT. 



sake ; and is even more partial to the cherries and 

 raspberries if that were possible, but at the same 

 time it is very assiduous in destroying the insects and 

 small caterpillars. Whereas the Common Whitethroat 

 is seldom seen at any height from the ground, the 

 Lesser Whitethroat may be frequently observed 

 perched upon the top of a tree, chirping its song, 

 which usually begins with a few soft notes, ending in 



