17 
surpassed by that of the nightingale. It is, however, of compara- 
tively short duration, as the bird becomes silent when the first 
brood is hatched, and is only heard for a little while should a 
second nest be built. 
THE CoMMON WHITETHROAT (Curruca cinerea). 
Very commonly distributed, arriving early in May, and en- 
livening almost every hedge-row in the two counties. It some- 
times rears two broods, the nest being placed in tufts of coarse 
grass, bramble or briar thickets, or among rank plants near the 
base of a hedge. These birds arrive in full plumage, and are for 
a time very diverting from their liveliness and loquacity. As the 
season advances, however, the feathers become faded and worn, 
and the birds quit our coasts in a costume so ragged as to cause 
one to wonder how the little fellows, imperfectly clad as they are, 
can undertake the fatiguing journey they have in prospect. We 
have seen this warbler continually haunting the grassy patches 
occurring on the coast line between Girvan and Lendalfoot, where 
one would little expect to find a bird of sylvan habits. 
THE LesseR WHITETHROAT (Curruca sylviella). 
Sparingly met with, and much less obtrusive in its habits than 
the preceding species. This warbler was well known as an Ayr- 
shire bird thirty years ago. We are not, however, certain of its 
being a native of Wigtownshire. 
THE Woop WARBLER (Sylvia sylvicola). 
A well-known, though not abundant, summer visitant to both 
counties. Being much quieter in its habits than the next species, 
it is not so often observed, although of brighter tints. It is also 
later in making its appearance, and is in consequence not so easily 
perceived among the dense foliage of the trees which it frequents. 
THE WILLow WARBLER (Sylvia trochilus). 
This welcome little summer bird is very common, arriving some 
seasons about the middle of April. It visits the glens in both 
counties extending to some height above the sea level, and remains 
there during the season, building its nest in heathery tufts, and 
lining it with game bird feathers. We have heard this species 
singing blythely in the middle of July. 
Cc 
