74 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



small beetles, and caterpillars, all beiri^ qaptured and de- 

 voured indiscriminately. 



In capturing its winged food the movements of the 

 Dartford Warbler are by no means dissimilar to those of 

 the common Whitethroat, this bird also often indulging in 

 short, rapid flights after its prey, and quickly returning to 

 its perch. The flight is jerky and irregular, and seldom 

 indulged in to any great distance ; in fact, the bird is rarely 

 seen to quit the clumps of furze amongst which it 

 finds its regular food. 



The peculiarities of this interesting little bird are, 

 however, not very easily observed, for it is extremely shy 

 and cautious in character, and if too sudden or close an 

 approach is attempted it instantly leaves the more exposed 

 branches for the security and concealment of the denser 

 parts. 



The note is shrill and piping, but of no great volume 

 or variation. Its owner would appear anxious to atone 

 for these deficiencies by continuous repetition, and it may 

 sometimes he heard 'Mn full vocal strain'' for from fifteen 

 to twenty minutes without cessation. It also frequently 

 utters a sort of chattering cry, resembling ^^Cha, cha, 

 cha.'' They sing while hovering in the air like a White- 

 throat, then dart into the furze. 



The Dartford Warbler builds its nest of dry stalks, 

 fibrous twigs, bents of grass, and similar materials; fre- 

 quently there is an interweaving of wool. The structure 

 is apparently somewhat loosely put together, but a close 

 examination generally shows it to be far stronger than it 

 appears. Furze bushes are chosen as the most suitable 

 nesting places, and the nest is generally about a couple of 

 feet from the ground. The eggs number four or five : they 



