222 INSESSORES. SYLVIA. Pettychaps. 



insect-prey, in its perfect as well as larva state. They are 

 also, from the form of their feet, able to move readily upon 

 the ground, where their nest is usually formed, and where 

 they rear their young. 



LESSER PETTYCHAPS. 



Sylvia hippolais, Lath. 



PLATE XLVII. Fig. 1. 



Sylvia hippolais, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 507. sp. 4. 



Motacilla hippolais, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 330. 7 — Gmel. Syst. 2. p. 954. 



Picedula septima, Aldrov. (Pettychaps), Rail Syn. p. 79- A. 7 Will. 



p. 158. 

 La Fauvette des Roseaux, Bvff. PI. Ind. 581. f. 2., but the description of 



this figure refers to the true Fauvette des Roseaux (the Sylvia arun- 



dmacea). 

 Le Pouillot, ou le Chantre, Buff. Ois. 5. 344 — Id. PI. Enl. 651. 1. 

 Le Figuier jaune et brun, Buff. Ois. 5. 295. 

 Becfin Pouillot, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. 244. 

 Fitis Sanger, Meyer., Taschenb. 1. 248. 

 Lesser Pettychaps, Br. Zool. 1. No. 149 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 413. 3.* — Id. 



Sup. 2. p. 236— Lmm'« Br. Birds, 3. t. 101 — Piilt. Cat. Dorset, p. 9.— 



Mont.OrmXh.. Diet — Id. Supp. 

 Least WiUow-Wren, Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. 232. 



Provincial — Chip-Chap, Chiff-ChafF, Choice and Cheap. 



Periodical The similarity in form and plumage between this and the 

 two following species, has been a frequent cause of confusion ; 

 and, in dead or preserved specimens, it requires an attentive 

 examination and comparison to become acquainted with the 

 distinguishing features of each. In a living state, the differ- 

 ence of note, as well as peculiar tokens in their respective 

 habits, are sufficient ground of distinction to the naturalist. 

 The species now before us is the earliest harbinger of spring, 

 as it usually arrives before the month of April ; indeed, 

 Montagu mentions instances of a much earlier appearance, 

 viz. in January and February. But I should be inclined to 

 think, with him, that such individuals had probably wintered 

 in our island, particularly as these observations were made in 



