38 SONG OF THE BLACKCAP. 



is then so intent on pilfering as to admit of a much nearer 

 approach than at any other season, goes on to say that 



The song of the Black capt Fauvet is, perhaps, not surpassed by any 

 other of the family, with the exception, however, of those of the Brake 

 Nightingale and Garden Fauvet. It is loud, rich, clear, and rapid, and, 

 in its way, almost equals that of the leader of the vernal chorus, the 

 Brake Nightingale. It sings more constantly than any of its con- 

 geners, and, indeed, it is much more frequently heard than seen. If, 

 however, you will sit upon a mossy bank, shaded with bushes and 

 trees, near the spot from which the song proceeds, it will not be long 

 before you obtain a sight of him, as, when undisturbed, he generally 

 sings in rather a conspicuous station, at the top of a tree. But if 

 you approach incautiously or hastily, it instantly darts down into 

 the midst of the thickest brake the spot affords, where it will 

 patiently wait your departure. In the meanwhile, however, for the 

 sake of employment, it will renew its strains, even though you be 

 standing within a few yards of it. 



Main, writing on British Song Birds, in the * Magazine 

 of Natural History,' says of this species, that 



It is the contra- alto singer of the woodland choir. The fine, 

 varied, joyous song of this emigrant is noticed by the most listless 

 auditor : the strain occupies about three bars of triple time in the 

 performance, and though very frequently repeated, is somewhat varied 

 in every repetition. He begins with two or three short essays of 

 double notes, gradually crescendo up to a loud and full swell of varied 

 expression. One passage often occurs, as truly enunciated as if per- 

 formed on an octave flute. The style and key of the song are 

 nearly the same in all individuals, though some may be noticed to 

 vary in style. I knew one bird that frequented the same spot of a 

 wood for three summers, who signalised himself by an arrangement 

 of notes, very much excelling his brethren around. The Blackcap 

 is certainly the finest singer of the whole tribe of Warblers, except 

 the Nightingale. 



White observes that it has usually a full, sweet, deep, 

 loud, and wild pipe ; yet the strain is of short continuance, 

 and its motions desultory ; but when this bird sits calmly, 

 and in earnest engages in song, it pours forth very sweet but 

 inward melody, and expresses great variety of sweet and 

 gentle modulations ; while it warbles, its throat is wonder- 

 fully distended. 



Knapp observes of this bird, ' that so careful and sus- 

 picious is it that several selected spots are often abandoned 



