322 BRITAIN'S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 



ous in diet, and therefore practically all are only summer 

 visitors to our area. 



The various Warblers show a great deal of similarity 

 both in appearance and in habits. Most of them are of 

 inconspicuous but by no means dull coloiu's, and there is 

 generally little or no difference in the plumage of the 

 sexes. Nor is there usually any very marked divergence 

 at different seasons, although there are two distinct moults 

 in the year. The Warblers are all of very small size, and 

 built on fine and dainty lines. A good development of 

 singing powers is the rule. Many have but a short 

 refrain, pleasing but not elaborate, while others are among 

 our most accomplished songsters. The present species falls 

 within the former category. 



The Whitethroat is large for a Warbler, and the 

 conspicuous feature of its plumage is indicated by its 

 name. In summer it is abundantly and generally distri- 

 buted in all suitable parts of the British Isles except 

 towards the north of Scotland. It arrives about mid- 

 April in the south, later in the north, and quits our 

 shores early in September. 



The nest is occasionally at some distance from the 

 ground, normally close to it. A thick bank of nettles is 

 a typical situation, but low bushes and hedges are often 

 used. The nest itself is a rather deep cup slightly built 

 of grass, and lined with hair and fine roots. The four 

 to six eggs have a yellowish-white ground, thickly covered 

 with olivaceous specks and lilac under-marks. The general 

 effect is very variable, however. 



