72 OUR SUMMER MIGRANTS. 



p. 25), but it is possible that, from its general 

 resemblance to the last-named bird, it may have 

 been often overlooked. The respective measure- 

 ments of the two species are as follows : — 



Total length. Wing. Tarsus. 



Common Whitethroat . 5*5 in. . 2*9 in. . -8 in. 

 Lesser Whitethroat . . 5*2 „ . 2-5 „ . 7 „ 



Independently, however, of its smaller size, 

 the Lesser Whitethroat may be distinguished 

 by its black ear-coverts, and by the absence of 

 the pale rufous edgings to the secondaries, 

 which are so conspicuous in the larger species. 

 The legs also are slate-coloured instead of yel- 

 lowish-brown. 



In haunts, habits, and mode of nesting the 

 two species are very similar, and what has been 

 said of one will apply almost equally well to the 

 other. Both arrive also about the same time — 

 namely, the third week in April ; and by the 

 end of August, when the young are strong 

 enough to shift for themselves, they depart 

 again southwards. Although the nests of the two 

 species are very similar, the eggs of the Lesser 



