ti De bd 
— ee ae. ee ee 
1900 SUPPLEMENT—RECENT INTRODUCTIONS, &C. 149 
Birds—continued. 
food. Another near relative, the Chiff-Chaff (P. minor), 
whose call-note has given rise to the popular name 
it bears, is no less assiduous as an_insect-forager. 
Frequently the Blackeap (Sylvia atricapilla) may be seen 
in gardens industriously clearing off insects. It is a 
migrant, and one whose song rivals that of the Nightin- 
gale. 
The Thrush family (Turdide) is rich in garden- 
frequenting species like Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, and 
Robins; while it also contains that prince of songsters, 
the Nightingale (Daulias luscinia). The members of 
this family, 2t any rate, in the young state, should 
Tig. 172. WHITETHROAT. 
be readily discriminated from their allies by the fact 
that they are spotted. Much as we may admire the 
Blackbird (Merula merula) for its period of song 
(short thongh it be as compared with the Song Thrush), 
any good that it may do in keeping down insects 
is sadly discounted by its destructive propensities in 
the fruit-garden. It is a fruit-robber of the most 
pronounced type. Large and small fruits are alike 
attacked. To Strawberries, Plums, and Gooseberries it 
is particularly partial; while its boldness could hardly 
be exceeded. The Song Thrush (Turdus musicus), on 
the other hand, subsists chiefly upon insects, worms, 
slugs, and snails. Towards the end of summer, how- 
ever, orchard and other fruits are attacked—Figs, 
Apples, Pears, and Plums being most relished. The 
Bird, however, cannot be regarded. in the same light 
as the Blackbird. The Robin, or Common Redbreast 
(Erithacus rubicula),is a most useful species; and so is 
the Common Nightingale, which, during its all too short 
stay with us, is an _ insect-feeder. The Wheatear 
(Saxicola enanthe) (Fig. 178), the Furze-Chat (Pratincola 
rubetra), and the Stoné-Chat (P. rubicola), all belonging 
to the-family under discussion, render the greatest service 
to farmers. 
The Accentors~(Accentoride), of which the Hedge 
Sparrow (Tharrhaleus modularis) is one of our com- 
monest garden inhabitants, is a species deserving pro- 
tection, as it destroys quantities of insects in early 
spring and summer. Its correct name is Hedge Accentor. 
Of the Troglodytide, or Wrens. the most familiar 
species is the Common Wren (Anorthura troglodytes). This 
is another ubiquitous species, and one, too, very beneficial 
Birds —continued. 
in gardens, as it is an insect-feeder. Another small Bird 
held in great esteem is the Common Flycatcher (Muscicapa 
grisola), of the family Muscicapidxe. It is a migrant, and 
the usual method adopted of swooping down upon some 
unfortunate insect for which it has been watching is fairly 
familiar. At other times the insects are taken from the 
ground position. Aphides and Sawfly larve (the latter 
not relished by many insectivorous birds) are destroyed 
by the Spotted Flycatcher in vast numbers. 
Amongst summer Bird visitors to these islands the 
advent of none is more eagerly anticipated than that 
of the Swallows (Hirwndinide), all of which should 
be carefully preserved. These include the House Martin 
(Chelidon urbica), Sand Martin (Clivicola riparia), and 
the Chimney Swallow (Hirundo rustica). They are 
entirely insectivorous, and their nests should always be 
protected. 
Mention must now be made of the true Cuckoos 
(Cuculinz), one species of which is familiar, at least, by 
sound. It is a much maligned Bird, but it is one 
which deserves well of both farmer and gardener. 
Entomologists are well aware of the caution exhibited 
by insectivorous birds. generally in attacking woolly 
caterpillars. The Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) is, 
however, one of»the exceptions which go to prove the 
rule. We have seen it clear off the hairy Tiger Moth 
caterpillars from a Lettuce patch; and also make short 
work of distasteful Sawfly larve like those affecting 
Currant and Gooseberry bushes. 
Belonging to the Strigide is the Barn Owl (Strix 
flammea), whose useful qualities cannot be sufficiently 
well-known, or the Birds would be better protected. 
They live largely upon mice, but will not hesitate to 
take the larger rodents like rats. Equally serviceable 
and worthy of protection is the Kestrel Hawk, or 
Windhover (Cerchneis tinnunculus) (Fig. 174), which 
feeds upon mice, upon many of the injurious hard- 
bodied beetles like Cockchafers, as well as upon Grass- 
hoppers. This species may be readily distinguished 
from the destructive (so far as gamekeepers are con- 
cerned) Sparrow-hawk by its method of “hovering” 
in the air. 
Of the Birds now remaining that ought to be mentioned, 
the Lapwing, or Peewit (Vanellus vanellus),is one of the 
most useful, as its dietary consists of insects and slugs, 
Fic. 173, s WHEATEAR, 
and flocks of the Birds may be seen in summer searching 
for food in pasture-lands. Vast numbers of eggs are 
used for food each spring, and as a big price is set 
upon them, every encouragement is given to the 
destruction of the species. Another is the Wood Pigeon 
(Columba palumbus), which will make short work of 
