Migrant Birds of the Woods and 

 Well-Wooded Districts 



NIGHTINGALE {Daulias luscinia). 



April to September. Extremely local, but occurring 

 in nearly all counties. Very rare in the North and some 

 parts of the West. Unknown in Ireland. 



Haunts. — Thickets in copses, woods, plantations, and 

 shrubberies in gardens. 



Observation. — In appearance like a large Robin without 

 ruddy breast. 



Plumage. — Upper parts russet brown. Tail tinged 

 with chestnut. Breast grey, under-parts huffish grey ; 

 flanks pale ash. Bill and legs brown. Length 6 J in. 

 Female similar. Young, darker ; spotted above with 

 yellow-brown, and barred beneath with greyish brown. 



Language. — Song, the best melody of all our birds, 

 and must be heard to be appreciated. Its chief character- 

 istics lie in the liquid quaverings and rollings, giving 

 way at intervals to a sad wailing note. Sings by day 

 as well as at night. Soon after the young are hatched 

 the song degenerates into a dismal croaking. Note of 

 anxiety, " wate-wate-cur-cur." 



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