THE NIGHTINGALE. 



CHAPTER II. 



WARBLERS. NIGHTINGALE . 



] NDER the scientific term Sylviadce, or "Warblers, are 

 U grouped a number of birds remarkable for the sweet- 

 ness of their song. They are of slender form and delicate 

 constitution, not being able to bear much cold. Hence in 

 all northern climates where they are found, it is as summer 

 visitants only. They feed, too, almost entirely on insects, 

 being what are called soft-billed birds, unable to crack 

 nuts, or the shells of molluscous animals ; another reason, 

 some think the principal one, why, at the approach of 

 severe weather, when insect food naturally becomes scarce, 

 they seek a warmer climate, where it is more plentiful. 

 With some naturalists the genus Sylvia includes more birds 

 than with others. Sweet, for instance, who has given the 

 best account of these delightful songsters which we pos- 

 sess, especially as regards their musical powers and treat- 

 ment in confinement *, takes in the Chats and Redstarts ; 



* This account is incorporated by Mr. Bohn in his edition of Bech- 

 stein's * History of Cage and Chamber Birds,' the most full and 

 complete work on the Breeding, Management, &c., of Feathered Pets 

 which the press of this country has produced. 



