THE GARDEN WHITETHROAT. 



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male always making liis appearance before his mate, and immediately upon their arriTal they 

 set to work in searching after a fit spot on which to build their nest. For this pur];)ose they 

 generally choose some tliick bush, and are often very indifferent about concealing it, placing 

 it openly on the top of a stunted thorn-bush, within reach of every boy' s hand. It is seldom 

 placed at any great height from the ground, and I have genei'ally found them situated at an 

 elevation of two feet. The nest is not very elaborate in its structure, and is chiefly f onned of 

 various grasses twisted into shape, and slightly woven into the branches. The entii-e nest can, 

 however, be easily removed, without the necessity of cutting the trig's to which it is fastened. 

 The comi>lete number of eggs is five, but their number is usually four. Their color is asheu- 

 gray with a green wash, and they are boldly (!overed with ashen-brown and ashen-green spots^ 

 and blotches. 



The general color of the Whitethroat is reddish-brown on the upper parts of the body andi 

 brownish-wliite below, with the exception of the throat, which is of a beautifully pure white... 

 Its total length is about five inches and a half. 



GABDEN WHITETHROAT AND BLACK CAP WARBLER.— SyMa hortensis and S. a/ricapilla. 



There is another species of Whitethroat which is not so often seen as the last-named 

 species. This is the Gtarden Wiiitetiieoat, sometimes called by the name of Greater 

 Pettichaps. It is also known by the name of Garden Warbler. 



Tins is an active and lively bird, restless to a degree, and constantly flitting from place to 

 place and from branch to branch on unwearied ^ving, and seldom coming out into view. The 

 song of this bird is much finer than that of the common Whitethroat, being more lengthened, 

 fuller, and more melodious. Some persons have compared the rich mellow notes which it 

 occasionally utters, to those of the blackbird. Although it chiefly frequents shrubberies, 

 copses and plantations, it will often take a predilection to some garden, and if left undisturbed, 

 soon learns confidence and becomes quite a familiar bird, permitting those with whose persons 

 it is acquainted to approach within very close proximity before it takes alarm. But for it» 



