THE NIGHTIXGALE^ 139 



roots or stum p of a tree, or towards the bottom of a hedge- 

 row. It is built of various materials, iucluding leaves, dr^ 

 grass-stalks, and bits of bark aud fibrous roots, loosely 

 constructed, but lined with finer_grasses and horse-hair. 



The eggs are geuerally fi\^ in number, and of an olive- 

 green ^colour. 



The food of the Nightingale is almost enti rely in sect- 

 ivorous, as it comprises such insects as catermllars, beetles, 

 moths and flies, small worms, and the larvte of jints. Some 

 birds also eat fruit, such as elderberries and currants. 



The food of the young whilst in the nest is principally 

 <.*omposed of small green caterpillars and worms. 



Although Nightingales affect certain districts, where 

 many pairs may be found, they notwithstanding keep 

 almost strictly in pairs ; and if by chance they meet, they 

 will invariably fight, after the manuer of R(^bins. Even the 

 spirit of their song is at times uttered as if in a tone of 

 acute rivalry, though as a rule it is one impassioned love- 

 story, poured out on behalf of the mate who is so patiently 

 attending to the duties of incubation. 



Before leaving England, Avliich happens in July and 

 August, both the young and adult birds moult, but the 

 young ones only partially, as they retain their wing and tail 

 feathers. The song, too, of the adult bird ceases in a 

 great degree some time in June, as soon as the nesting 

 operations are over ; yet these latter are often delayed if 

 the first nest is taken or destroyed. The call-note of the 

 bird is varied, sometimes being " Purr, piu*r ! " and again 

 a sort of " Wheet ! " uttered somewhat sharjily. 



The flight is somewhat short, tliou;i;'h also capal)le of 

 much further extension ; and is generally from bush to 

 bush, as these birds seldom stray from their usual haunts. 



