126 THE SMALLER BRITISH BIRDS. 



does not exhibit the same partiality to lofty trees; .its favourite resorts 

 are woods, plantations, shrubberies, and hedgerows, but especially places 

 on the borders of streams, where the alder, the willow, and the osier 

 flourish. It may also be seen on open commons covered with furze 

 bushes and brambles, and sometimes visits gardens and orchards. 



The little Willow Warbler is not at all shy or timid, and will allow 

 an observer to come within a few yards of him without attempting to 

 fly away or to hide himself; indeed he sometimes advances towards the 

 intruder on his haunts in a most daring and impudent manner, frisking 

 about on the branches, and flitting in and out amid the leaves, as if 

 he wished to exhibit his agility, and, as Mr. Morris remarks, "seeming 

 to think that his diminutive size or conscious innocence is a guarantee 

 for his safe security from molestation or injury." This interesting 

 little bird may be often seen on the fruit trees, gliding about among 

 the branches with wonderful rapidity, but he is only searching for flies, 

 aphides, and other insects, and will not partake of the fruit. If any 

 other bird intrudes upon his preserves he immediately shows fight, and 

 will not rest until his feathered enemy is driven away. Even the 

 young have been observed to exhibit the same pugnacious disposition. 



The song of the Willow Warbler is soft, mellow, and very sweet 

 and pleasing. Mr. Stevenson says, "On a bright sunny morning in 

 the early spring, when the trees are putting forth their freshest green, 

 and all is life and animation amongst the feathered throng, it is one of 

 the most delightful and cheering sounds of that tuneful season. If we 

 walk through any large plantation on the first arrival of these birds, 

 the whole place seems alive with their merry notes, and as we trace 

 the sound into the topmost branches, nearly every other tree seems to 

 have a separate vocalist, whose song, commencing in a high key, runs 

 down the scale with the most charming modulations." The bird some- 

 times utters this delightful warble when flying from tree to tree, as 

 well as when perched on the branches; he may be heard at a distance 

 of six hundred yards, or even more. Towards the end of July the 

 song begins to decrease in strength; at the close of the season it is 

 very low and subdued, and only occasionally uttered. The ordinary 

 call-note is a short shrill "cheep." 



Bishop Mant, who was an ardent lover of nature, and an enthusiastic 

 admirer of all 'the birds of the air/ gives the following charming 

 lines respecting this bird: 



"Where the gay sallow's bursting down 

 Is gilt with many a golden crown, 

 Fain would I now, in rival gold 

 His slender form attired, behold 



