BIRDS OF THE WOODS 35 



Language. On its first arrival it records or rehearses 

 its song in a sotto voce till early May, when the true song is 

 commenced, which is second only to the Nightingale, 

 and reminds one of a piccolo. It has certain powers 

 of ventriloquism and mimicry. Alarm-note, a harsh 

 " tac." When angry it scolds rather like the White- 

 throat. 



Habits. It loves to sing perched in its shady brambly 

 home. Song ceases when young are hatched ; the cock 

 bird assists in incubation. Very restless and shy, like 

 others of the family. Flight rather hesitating. 



Food. Insects and their larvae, spiders, soft fruits 

 (especially raspberries and currants), also berries. 



Nest. May. 



Site. Low down in thick bush, in nettles and brambles 

 and privets, and other situations. 



Materials. Dry grass and fibres, lined with horsehair 

 a slight structure. 



Eggs. Dirty white, or light red spotted and blotched 

 with dark red and ruddy brown ; variable. Smaller 

 than Garden Warbler's. 



GARDEN WARBLER (Sylvia hortensis). 



May to September. Less abundant than last, but 

 generally distributed. Rare in Ireland, Cornwall, and 

 some parts of Wales. 



Haunts. Like last, but where the Blackcap is scarce 

 the Garden Warbler is frequently common, and vice versa. 



Observation. Distinguish from last by absence of 

 black crown. 



Plumage. Upper parts olive-brown, darker on wings 

 and tail ; faint light streak over eye ; area at back of eyes 



