THE WILLOW-WARBLER. 99 



The alarm-note is said to be a whit somewhat resembling that of the Willow- 

 Wren ; but is not this its call-note * and the other note tr-r-r (to which no title 

 has been applied) its alarm or scolding note ? 



In his "Birds of Norfolk" Mr. Stevenson states, on the authority of Messrs. 

 Gurney and Fisher, that a low bush, frequently of furze, appears to be a favourite 

 locality for the nest of this species and that as many as four have been found in 

 such places within a few yards. I never knew the nest to occupy such a site in 

 Kent, but birds appear to vary their habits greatly to suit their surroundings. 



I have not tried the Chiffchaff as an aviary bird ; but, unless it be intended 

 to breed it, when the furze-bush arrangement might be tried, I should hardly 

 think this species would pay for its keep: a few Willow- Warblers would be far 

 more pleasing in every way. On the other hand, there is no doubt that when 

 once accustomed to the usual soft food, the Chiffchaff would prove hardy enough 

 and its graceful actions would be pleasing, but I doubt if any human being could 

 long retain his senses, if compelled daily, for months together, to listen to the 

 everlasting chiff-chiff, chiff-chiff, chiff-chiff si this little bird. Now and again as one 

 passes through a wood it is a pleasing change, as the triangle is in a concert ; 

 but imagine a concert going on for months consisting of no other instrument than 

 a triangle ; believe me, even that would be more pleasant than an everlasting 

 Chiffchaff 's song! 



Family TURDIDsE. Subfamily S YL VIIN/E. 



THE WILLOW- WARBLER. 



P/iylloscopus trocliilus, L/INN. 



GENERALLY distributed during the summer and breeding throughout Western 

 and Central Europe, southwards as far as the Straits of Gibraltar, eastward 

 in Transylvania. It visits South Russia, Turkey, Greece, Asia Minor, Persia, and 



* The little White-eyes (Zosterops spp.j, which always remind me of the Willow-Wren on a small scale, 

 have a clear call-note wheel. 



