THE NIGHTINGALE. 131 



roots or stump of a tree,, or towards the bottom of a hedge- 

 row. It is built of various materials, including leaves, dry 

 grass-stalks, and bits of bark and fibrous roots, loosely 

 constructed, but lined with finer grasses and horse-hair. 



The eggs are generally five in number, and of an olive- 

 green colour. 



The food of the Nightingale is almost entirely insect- 

 ivorous, as it comprises such insects as caterpillars, beetles, 

 moths and flies, small worms, and the larvae of ants. Some 

 birds also eat fruit, such as elderberries and currants. 



The food of the young whilst in the nest is principally 

 composed of small green caterpillars and worms. 



Although Nightingales affect certain districts, where 

 many pairs may be found, they notwithstanding keep 

 almost strictly in pairs ; and if by chance they meet, they 

 will invariably fight, after the tiianner of Robins. Even the 

 spirit of their song is at times uttered as if in a tone of 

 acute rivalry, though as a rule it is one impassioned love- 

 story, poured out on behalf of the mate who is so patiently 

 attending to the duties of incubation. 



Before leaving England, which happens in July and 

 August, both the young and adult birds moult, but the 

 young ones only partially, as they retain their wing and tail 

 feathers. The song, too, of the adult bird ceases in a 

 great degree some time in June, as soon as the nesting 

 operations are over ; yet these latter are often delayed if 

 the first nest is taken or destroyed. The call-note of the 

 bird is varied, sometimes being " Purr, purr ! " and again 

 a sort of " Wheet ! " uttered somewhat sharply. 



The flight is somewhat short, though also capable of 

 much further extension; and is generally from bush to 

 bush, as these birds seldom stray from their usual haunts. 



