Sparrows FLovering. . 311 
seen that the cuckoo flies straight and level, with a 
gentle fluttering of the wings, which never seem to 
come forward, so that in outline he resembles a cres- 
cent, the convex side in front. His tail appears 
longer in proportion, and more pointed ; his flight is 
like that of a very large swallow flying straight. The 
cuckoo’s cry can perhaps be heard farther than the 
call of any other bird. The heron’s power of voice 
comes nearest: he sails at a great height,.and his 
‘quaaack,’ drawn out into a harsh screech, may be 
heard at a long distance. But then he has the 
advantage of elevation ; the cuckoo never rises above 
the tops of the elms. 
Yellowhammers have a habit of sitting on a rail 
or bough with their shoulders humped, so that they 
seem to have no neck. In that attitude they will 
remain a long time, uttering their monotonous chant ; 
most other birds stretch themselves and stand 
upright to sing. The great docks that grow beside 
the ditches are visited by the tomtits, who perch on 
them,—the stalk of the dock is strong and supports 
so light a weight easily. Sparrows may sometimes be 
seen in July hawking in the air just above the sward by 
the roadside—hovering like the kestrel, a foot or so 
high, and then suddenly dropping like stones : they 
are then so absorbed that they will scarcely fly away 
on your approach. At the same time a rather long 
red fly is abundant in the grass, and may be the 
attraction. The swift’s long narrow wings shut 
