36 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS 



ash-grey ; under parts huffish white ; under tail-coverts 

 white. Bill brown. Legs lead-colour. Length 5i in. 

 Female similar but paler. Young rather greener than 

 adults. 



Language. — Much like the Blackcap's, but lower 

 in tone and more mellow and continuous. Alarm-note, 

 a harsh " tac." 



Habits. — Very similar to last. It is a close sitter, and 

 when flushed it dives in the undergrowth, fidgeting about 

 and uttering its alarm-note. 



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

 fruits and berries. 



Nest. — May. One brood. 



Site. — Near ground in brambles or low bush, in 

 shrubberies, etc. 



Materials. — Dry grass, lined with finer grasses and 

 hair, loosely put together. 



Eggs. — Four to five. Dull white, blotched and spotted 

 with brown and greyish olive ; no ruddy suffusion as 

 in last. 



TREE PIPIT {Anthus trivialis). 



April to September. Occurring commonly in most 

 localities, except the most western parts of Cornwall 

 and Wales. More local in Scotland. Practically un- 

 known in Ireland. 



Haunts. — Outskirts of woods, shrubberies, gardens, 

 parks, &c., where there are some good-sized trees. 



Observation. — Distinguish from Meadow Pipit by 

 larger size, warmer tint, and paler legs. 



Plumage. — Upper parts ashy olive, each feather having 

 a dark centre. Wings darker, with pale margins. Tail 



