92 THE BIRDS OF OUR RAMBLES. 



of Warblers of which the Willow Wren is typical, 

 also make the British woods their haunt in 

 Pnn^paiiy summer. Next to the Wheatear the CHIFFCHAFF 

 type/ 5 (P. rufus] is perhaps the earliest of our spring- 

 tide migrants. I have even heard his monotonous 

 song of chiff-chaff chiff-chaff, or chiff-cha-aff, on 

 the last days of March, during an exceptionally 

 favourable season, and this as far north as the 

 " Dukeries," in Notts. On an average he is here 

 by the first three days of April. It is not quite 

 so big as the Willow Wren, its plumage is 

 browner, not so bright and clear an olive, and 

 its dark, nearly black tarsus is ever an un- 

 failing distinction. The Chiffchaff is one of those 

 birds far more often heard than seen ; and this 

 remark- becomes more and more apt as the vernal 

 foliage decks the trees and effectually hides the 

 sombre little singer from all but the very closest 

 scrutiny. In other respects its habits closely 

 resemble those of the Willow Wren. The nest 

 is very similar, but is often placed several feet 

 from the ground amongst ivy or brambles. The 

 six eggs are white, somewhat sparingly spotted 

 with dark reddish brown and gray. The larger 

 Principally and handsomer WOOD WREN (P. sibilatrix) is 

 typt ls even more of a woodland bird than either of the 

 two above-mentioned Warblers, and also the last 

 to make its appearance, coming towards the end 

 of April. As we wander through the woods in 

 the early days of May we may often hear his 

 monotonous " song," a few rapidly uttered notes, 

 becoming quicker and quicker, and ending in a 

 harsh and tremulous trill. The song of the Wood 

 Wren is always disappointing. The first few 

 notes are sweet and full of promise, arrest the 



