96 BLACKCAP. 



retiring, on being observed, into the denser parts of its cover. 

 It is also of a solitary nature, more than two individuals 

 being seldom seen in company. The cultivated parts of the 

 country are its resort. It is capable of being kept in con- 

 finement. In the 'Zoologist,' page 356, Vivian Walmesley, 

 Esq. relates a curious circumstance of a Blackcap attacking 

 a rabbit which he had shot, and appearing to triumph at 

 its death. 



It seldom takes a long flight, but flits from bush to bush. 



The Blackcap feeds on insects, caterpillars, berries, ivy and 

 others, and fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, cherries, 

 pears, and currants. The first-named are sometimes captured 

 when flying, but chiefly found in various parts of the trees 

 or bushes which the bird frequents, and in pursuit, or rather 

 in search of them, it creeps among the dense foliage, or threads 

 its way through the tangled underwood with the most graceful 

 irimbleness and minute investigation. 



A very beautiful roundelay is that of the Blackcap, inferior 

 only in the estimation of many to that of the Nightingale. 

 It is usually first heard in the middle of April, but in very 

 mild seasons has been noticed so soon as the 29th. of March. 

 It will sometimes be continued until August, if there should 

 be a second brood. Its tones, though desultory, are very 

 rich, deep, full, loud, varied, sweetly wild and witching. It 

 is generally given forth from some of the higher branches or 

 twigs of the bush or hedge. The notes of other birds are 

 also imitated those of the Nightingale, Blackbird, Robin, 

 Thrush, and Garden Warbler. The throat is much distended 

 in a somewhat curious manner, while the bird is singing. 

 WJien the young are hatched, 'the song becomes broken, the 

 melody gradually ceases, and we hear only the usual call- 

 notes. Either are easily interrupted; and a slight noise, or 

 the intrusion of a stranger, will induce silence, and the bird 

 will remove itself gradually and quietly to the closer parts 

 of the thicket; or having gained the edge of a more limited 

 shrubbery, it will silently flit to some more extensive and 

 secure retreat.' 



The nest, built about the end of May or the beginning of 

 June, is commonly placed in a bramble or other bush, some- 

 times in a honeysuckle, a raspberry, or currant tree, about 

 two or three feet or rather more from the ground ; sometimes 

 among nettles. It is made of dry grass and small fibrous 

 roots, with occasionally a little moss and hair the latter as 



