SUSSEX CROSSBILLS 35 



The Crossbill's usual, metallic, chuk-'mg cry 

 to be heard from flying as well as stationary 

 individuals, and uttered either fairly slowly, or, on 

 the contrary, very fast indeed has already been 

 touched on. It is an extremely characteristic note 

 which, once heard, can never be forgotten. 

 Another call is a regular chik, quite distinct, I 

 find, from the chuk, and one, possibly, peculiar to 

 the female ; certainly she gives vent to it in addition 

 to the latter note. Allusion has also been made to 

 the twittering perhaps a modification of the two 

 cries just mentioned intermingled, and so, from 

 being heard from many throats together, now in 

 unison, now in doubtful harmony, leaving a sus- 

 picion in one's mind as to whether it is a unique 

 production from flocks of Crossbills. Remains 

 for discussion, however, the real song of the male, 

 which may be rendered as chip-chip-chip-gee-gee- 

 gee-gee. It may hardly be termed loud, neverthe- 

 less it is articulated very distinctly, and, on a still 

 day, penetrates to some distance. Although, to 

 me at any rate, it it pleasant, it possesses no melody 

 proper : indeed, it is on the harsh side, especially 

 with regard to the iterated gee. In point of time 

 and the number of notes contained in it, passing 

 comparison may be made to the song of the Reed- 

 Bunting, while to a certain extent, the timbre of 

 that bird's voice, as well as the chirping of the 

 House-Sparrow is implicated. At least, so I think : 

 but then no two people hear quite alike. Anyhow, 



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