WARBLERS. 127 



Its nest is placed on a low bush or shrub, and is composed 

 of stalks, grass, and wool, with a lining of fibrous roots 

 and horse-hair; the outside is sometimes covered with 

 green moss. The female lays five eggs, of a pale reddish 

 brown, mottled, and sprinkled with a few ashy spots. 

 The parents share the task of sitting ; and, if disturbed, 

 will immediately forsake the nest. The Blackcaps feed 

 principally on insects; but will also eat berries, par- 

 ticularly those of the ivy. 



THE STONECHAT WARBLER 



Is more than five inches in length ; its plumage is grey, 

 reddish beneath, with a white spot each side the neck, and 

 black head, throat, and wing-coverts. Its habits are 

 solitary, confining itself to dreary moors and commons, 

 where it perches on the uppermost sprays of furze or 

 brambles. The nest is placed at the roots of bushes, or 

 under stones ; it is formed of moss and bents, lined with 

 hair and feathers. It is so well concealed, and the parents 

 use such art in decoying persons away, that it is rarely 

 found. The eggs are five in number, of a blue colour, 

 faintly spotted with rufous. It is common in many parts 

 of Europe. 



THE WHINCHAT 



Very much resembles the above species in its habits. Its 

 size is less, and its plumage dusky, with white eyebrows, 

 a white spot on the wings, and yellowish throat and 

 breast. It darts from its perch at flies, on which, together 

 with other insects and worms, it feeds, It frequents 

 furry grounds ; and conceals its nest very skilfully on the 

 ground. The nest is formed of dried grass and stalks, 

 with a little moss on the outside, and is lined with fine 

 dried grass : the eggs are six in number, and entirely blue. 

 The Whinchat is highly esteemed for the table, almost 

 equally with the ortolan. 



