(6 COMMON BRITISH BIRDS 



that of the Chiffchaff is uttered slightly more deliberately. 

 The second note of the Chiffchaff is lower in pitch than 

 the first. 



Distinguishing Feature. The note above described, 

 also the dark legs and feet of the Chiffchaff ; otherwise 

 the Willow Warbler and this bird much resemble each 

 other, though the Chiffchaff is rather more dull in ap- 

 pearance than the Willow Warbler. 



Nest. On ground, of dried grass, Ac., domed, lined 

 feathers. 



Eggs. White, spotted with light red. 



Haunts. Woods and shrubberies. 



COOT. (R. Rails and Coots.) 



Sto. Rook. 



Colour.- Dark blackish-grey, with a pure white plate 

 on forehead. Bill pale pinkish-grey. Head, neck, 

 and tail black, under parts ashy-grey. Legs and feet 

 grey. 



Note. Sharp, lond, single call -notes, one of which is 

 supposed to resemble the name ' Coot.' 



Distinguishing Feature. Rather thick, heavy-looking 

 bird. Uniform dark colour with white forehead. 

 Dives after much of its food, taking funny little headers, 

 and coming up in the same place after staying down 

 quite a considerable time. The Coot and the Moorhen 

 are often seen feeding on the land. 



Nest. A large structure made of dead vegetation, 

 in reeds or sedges. 



Eggs. Pale buff-white, with small brown spots. 



Haunts. Large ponds and lakes. Does not fre- 

 quent such small pools of water as the Moorhen often 

 does. 



CREEPER, TREE. (R. Creepers.) 



Size. Smaller than Sparrow. Beak rather long 

 and curved. 



Colour. Above brown, tinged with buff, with ashen- 

 grey centres to feathers, also tiny white spots ; white 

 streak over eye. Below silvery-white. 



Note. Usually only a tiny cheep ; but it also has 

 a weak little song, which, strangely enough, many 

 naturalists have never heard. 



