78 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



equal in depth and sweetness to those of the Nightingale 

 or the Blackbird. 



The Garden Warbler, although not so shy as some 

 birds, is yet very unobtrusive and retiring in its habits, 

 and seems quite happy and contented if allowed to pursue 

 its course unnoticed and unmolested ; frequently its 

 sweetest song is poured forth from the branches of some 

 bush, or the shadier recesses of some thickly-grown hedge. 



The food of this bird is composed to a large extent 

 of caterpillars, insects and their larvae, and chrysalides; 

 but when the season is sufficiently advanced the garden 

 warbler betrays a most noticeable partiality for a more 

 luscious diet, and feeds freely upon currants, raspberries, 

 and the berries of the elder, barberry, ivy, and green figs. 

 It is, indeed, called in some places the Fig Bird. 



The actions of the bird are quick and continuous ; it 

 moves about the branches of a tree or bush with rapidity 

 and grace, and when on the ground advances quickly by 

 a series of vigorous hops. It is averse to being very 

 closely watched, and if it notices an observer, its song is 

 suspended at once, or its repast is left unfinished, and the 

 bird seeks the shelter of the nearest cover. The flight is 

 short and rapid. 



The nest of the Garden Warbler is generally built of 

 grasses or straws, sometimes mixed with moss, and lined 

 with wool, horsehair, or the finer fibres of plants ; usually 

 it is placed a few feet from the ground in the branches of 

 a thorn or other bush, but at other times the nest may be 

 found in coarse grasses, and the herbage of taller wild 

 plants. Frequently the nest is built in close proximity 

 to some grotto or garden tool-shed. 



The eggs number four or five, and are of a dull 



