THE GARDE* WH1TETHR0AT. 203 



male always making Ills appearance before his mate, and immediately upon their arrival they 

 set to work in searching after a fit spot on which to build their nest. For this purpose they 

 generally choose some thick 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 generally found them situated at an 

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

 various grasses twisted into shape, and slightly woven into the branches. The entire nest can, 

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

 The complete number of eggs is five, but their number is usually four. Their color is ashen- 

 gray with a green wash, and they are boldly covered with ashen-brown and ashen-green spots 

 and blotches. 



The general color of the Wliitethroat is reddish-brown on the upper parts of the body and 

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

 Its total length is about five inches and a half. 



1 



■ 



GARDEN WHITETHROAT AND BLACK CAP WARBLER.— Sylvia Twrtemis and .s'. atricapilla. 



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

 species. This is the Garden Whitethroat, sometimes called by the name of Greater 

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



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

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

 song of this bird is much finer than that of the common Wliitethroat, 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 its 



