BIRDS OF THE WOODS 35 



Language. — On its first arrival it records or rehearses 

 its song in a sotto voce till early May, when the true song is 

 commenced, which is second only to the Nightingale, 

 and reminds one of a piccolo. It has certain powers 

 of ventriloquism and mimicry. Alarm-note, a harsh 

 " tac." When angry it scolds rather like the White- 

 throat. 



Habits. — It loves to sing perched in its shady brambly 

 home. Song ceases when young are hatched ; the cock 

 bird assists in incubation. Very restless and shy, like 

 others of the family. Flight rather hesitating. 



Food. — Insects and their larvae, spiders, soft fruits 

 (especially raspberries and currants), also berries. 



Nest. — May. 



Site. — Low down in thick bush, in nettles and brambles 

 and privets, and other situations. 



Materials. — Dry grass and fibres, lined with horsehair 

 — a slight structure. 



Eggs. — Dirty white, or light red spotted and blotched 

 with dark red and ruddy brown ; variable. Smaller 

 than Garden Warbler's. 



GARDEN WARBLER (Sylvia hortensis). 



May to September. Less abundant than last, but 

 generally distributed. Rare in Ireland, Cornwall, and 

 some parts of Wales. 



Haunts. — Like last, but where the Blackcap is scarce 

 the Garden Warbler is frequently common, and vice versa. 



Observation. — Distinguish from last by absence of 

 black crown. 



Plumage. — Upper parts olive-brown, darker on wings 

 and tail ; faint light streak over eye ; area at back of eyes 



