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 buffish grey ; 

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