THE BIRDS OF LEICESTERSHIRE. 255 



8.— The Swift, (Cyplesus apas.) Last of the Hirundines to arrive and 

 the first to leave. Its arrival varies from the first to the third 

 week in May, as early as the 5th, (1878,) and as late as the 

 16th, (1874,) the average date being 12th. They also leave us 

 at the latter end of August. 



9.— The Wryneck, (Yiuix torquiUa.) Not very common, but seen and 

 heard most years. It arrives some time in April, as early as 

 the 7th and as late as the 24th. My note-book says :— " A pair 

 built this year in a neighbouring garden, and were not 

 disturbed, so that we may hope, thanks to the new Act, to see 

 them more plentiful." 



10.— The Garden Warbler, (Sylvia hortensis.) A constant visitor, 

 putting in an appearance in the last week of April, or the 

 first week of May. 



11. — The Whitethroat, (Sylvia cinerea.) About the same date as the 

 Garden Warbler. The Whitethroat is found in our lanes 

 from April 22nd to May 6th. 



12. — The Lesser Whitethroat, (Sylvia curruca.) Earlier than either of 

 the two last species. This bird arrives in the second or third 

 week in April. I have only one record in the last week, the 

 others range from the 11th to the 16th. 



13.— The Yellow Wagtail, (Motacilla Rail.) This, the loveliest in 

 appearance of all the summer migrants, arrives during the 

 last fortnight in April. My own observations extend between 

 the 19th and 28th. 



14. — The Nightingale, (Philomela luscinia.) Every year we are 

 favoured by the visits of several of these kings of song. April 

 20th is about the average date, as early as the 14th and as late 

 as the 25th. Their song ceases about the end of the second 

 week in June. 



15. — The Cuckoo, (Cuculus canorus.) Somewhat uncertain as to date, 

 as early as April 7th and as late as May 2nd. Its note is 

 generally heard for the last time early in July. 



16. — The Grasshopper Warbler, (Avicula locustella.) Always heard, but 

 very seldom seen. It arrives usually in the first week in May. 

 I have heard it as early as April 23rd. The only time I have 

 seen it was when a pair built under a bush in the garden at 

 Gumley Kectory, and when the young were hatched I contrived 

 to obtain a good view of the old bird when engaged in feeding 

 the young. 



17.— The Sedge Warbler, ( Salicaria Phragmitis. ) Very common. Appears 

 from the middle of April to the end of the first week in May. 

 Their song ceases towards the end of July. 



18.— The Redstart (Euticilla phoenicurus.) Not very common. A few 

 seen most seasons, generally about the latter end of April, or 

 first week in May. 



19.— The Tree Pipit, (Anthus arboreus.) Another regular visitor, arrives 

 about the last week, or from 21st to 31st of April. 



