PASSE RES. ( 57 ) SYLVIIDyE. 



THE WHITETHROAT. 



WHEY-BEARD, WHEETIE-WHY, NETTLE-CREEPER, CHURR, MUFF, 



MUFFET, MUFTY, CHA.RLY-MUFTY, BEARDY, BLETHERING-TAM, 



WHATTIE, WHISKEY. 



Sylvia rufa. 



The happy Whitethroat on the swaying bough, 

 Rocked on the impulse of the gaddi?ig wind 

 That ushers in the showers of April, now 

 Carols right joyously. 



Clare. 



The well-known notes of this lively summer visitor are 

 generally heard for the first time in the season early in 

 May, coming from some bush or thicket of brambles and 

 dog-roses by the roadside, where the male may be often seen 

 perched, with erect crest and puffed-out throat, warbling forth 

 his song in a hurried and restless manner. Occasionally 

 he may be observed flying a little distance up into the air 

 singing, and then returning to his perch, where, with many 

 gesticulations, he continues his garrulous song. 



The Whitethroat is a common species in Berwickshire 

 during summer, and its nest is often found by boys ; who 

 seldom scruple to harry it, from a prejudice against the 



' Mr. Hardy says that this name applies to the yoimg after they are fully 

 fledged, because they are in appearance and attitude not unlike Linnets. — Hist. 

 Ber. Nat. Club, vol. x. p. 56L 



