130 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



jug, jug ! " or any of the other numerous and not- to-be- 

 described phrases contained in the repertory of this beautiful 

 singer. 



Although possessing so sweet a voice, the plumage of 

 the Nightingale is very plain, although its form is graceful . 

 The whole upper part of the bird is rich chestnut-brown, 

 slightly brighter upon the wings ; the tail, which is rather 

 long and rounded, is of a reddish-brown ; the breast is dull 

 whitish-grey, somewhat tinged with brown ; the throat and 

 under part are pale whitish-grey. 



The female is with difficulty distinguished from the 

 male, although she may possibly be smaller, and her eye 

 not quite so large and bold. Some say that her throat is 

 lighter. 



The young birds are clad in somewhat similar plumage 

 to young Robins, inasmuch as the brown is lighter than 

 that of the adult birds, and the feathers being tipped with 

 buff they have a mottled appearance. 



The Nightingale arrives in England about the early 

 part of April, the males preceding the females by about a 

 week, or, at times, even a fortnight. As a rule they fly 

 to their old retreats, although at times they will desert 

 them, even for years, and then return again in augmented 

 numbers. At this time the males continually sing, possibly 

 with the intention of attracting a mate. 



The usual haunts of the Nightingale are groves, small 

 shady copses, plantations, woods, quiet gardens, and thick 

 hedgerows, especially where a little thicket has been 

 allowed to grow j and from these retreats, more particularly 

 whilst building the nest, the beautiful song of the 

 Nightingale is delivered both by day and night. 



The nest is placed in a hollow of the ground, or in the 



