PERCHING BIRDS. 159 



The GREATER PETTYCHAPS, or garden warbler, is 

 not uncommon in many parts of the country. 

 It makes its appearance early in May, haunting 

 gardens and hedges. Its song resembles that of 

 the blackcap, but is less powerful. It ranks next 

 in esteem as a songster, and its rich soft tones 

 resemble exquisite flute notes. The whistling 

 part of the stave, which has something of the 

 mellowness of the blackbird, has an unbroken 

 swell, which is at once characteristic -and pecu- 

 liar. It is larger then the blackcap, and has 

 longer wings. Unlike that bird, it does not sing 

 from a high perch but from the close cover, hence 

 it is not often seen, even by those who search for it. 



The LESSER PETTYCHAPS, or chiff-chaff, is the small- 

 est of our warblers, and the most hardy, coming 

 as early as March, and remaining till October, 

 and occasionally in mild winters remaining a 

 straggler in the warmer districts of the country. 

 It is very abundant in some parts of England, and 

 is found further north than any other of its kind. 

 It frequents woods and tall trees, and is very rest- 

 less in its habits, being always on the search for 

 insects. Its song consists of but two rather loud 

 hollow notes, resembling the words chip-chap, or 

 chiff-chaff. Mr. Sweet says, this bird is easily 

 taken in a trap, and soon becomes tame in con- 

 finement. One that he caught was so familiar 



