WHINCHAT. 



21 



is still more uncommon. As its name implies, the 

 gorse and furze plantations are its favourite ground, 

 as also are the hay fields and meadows. In our 

 country, Hampshire, it is a fairly common bird. In- 

 sects form its staple food, which it is very fond of 

 catching while on the wing. Small worms too it con- 

 siders dainty. It is a late bird to arrive in our country, 





WHINCHAT. 



and we do not see it before the middle of April ; it 

 leaves us again towards the end of December. It 

 delights to perch upon some tall grass bent or 

 delicate little spray at the top of a bush, which one 

 would think could not possibly support the little bird's 

 weight ; but he is a light little fellow, and it is pretty 

 to see him settled there as he clings firmly on, bending 



