36 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS 



ash-grey ; under parts huffish white ; under tail-coverts 

 white. Bill brown. Legs lead-colour. Length 5| in. 

 Female similar but paler. Young rather greener than 

 adults. 



Language. Much like the Blackcap's, but lower 

 in tone and more mellow and continuous. Alarm-note, 

 a harsh " tac." 



Habits. Very similar to last. It is a close sitter, and 

 when flushed it dives in the undergrowth, fidgeting about 

 and uttering its alarm-note. 



Food. Insects and their larvae, spiders, small soft 

 fruits and berries. 



Nest. May. One brood. 



Site. Near ground in brambles or low bush, in 

 shrubberies, etc. 



Materials. Dry grass, lined with finer grasses and 

 hair, loosely put together. 



Eggs. Four to five. Dull white, blotched and spotted 

 with brown and greyish olive ; no ruddy suffusion as 

 in last. 



TREE PIPIT (Anthus trivialis). 



April to September. Occurring commonly in most 

 localities, except the most western parts of Cornwall 

 and Wales. More local in Scotland. Practically un- 

 known in Ireland. 



Haunts. Outskirts of woods, shrubberies, gardens, 

 parks, &c., where there are some good-sized trees. 



Observation. Distinguish from Meadow Pipit by 

 larger size, warmer tint, and paler legs. 



Plumage. Upper parts ashy olive, each feather having 

 a dark centre. Wings darker, with pale margins. Tail 



