PERCHING BIRDS. 157 



the spot whence he arose. In confinement these 

 birds are lively, and easily managed. Mr. Sweet 

 says, that one he possessed would sing for hours 

 together, against a nightingale, and would not 

 suffer itself to be outdone. When the nightin- 

 gale raised its voice, he did the same, and tried 

 his utmost to get above it. Sometimes, in the 

 midst of the, song, he would run up to the night- 

 ingale, and stretch out his neck, and whistle as 

 loud as he could, staring it in the face ; and if 

 the nightingale attempted to peck him, away he 

 went in a moment, flying round the aviary, and 

 singing all the time. 



The BLACKCAP WARBLER is a common and widely 

 dispersed species, visiting this country about the 

 same time as the nightingale. The males, which 

 are readily distinguished by their jet-black heads, 

 arrive, as is usual with many birds, (especially 

 of this family,) some days before the females, and 

 their song soon betrays their retreat. They fre- 

 quent gardens, plantations, and thick hedges, and 

 are restless and shy, concealing themselves from 

 observation. The blackcap is considered to be 

 second only to the nightingale in his song ; and 

 his tones are deep, sweet, and full. The song is 

 generally given from a high perch or branch, 

 and while singing, the bird raises his head and 

 inflates his throat, appearing in a high state of 



