1 14 



The Yellow-hammer, or Yellow-head. 



The author of "British Birds" thus sums up their 

 various characteristic actions : — " Whep perched on a tree, es- 

 pecially in windy weather, they crouch close to the twigs, draw 

 in their necks, and keep their tails declined. After pairing, the- 

 male is generally seen on a bush or tree, raising his tail by 

 sudden jerks, and slightly expanding it. His notes are then 

 usually two chirps, followed by a harsher note — cit, chit, chirr 

 — with considerable intervals. When feeding in the stubble- 

 fields, they advance by very short leaps, with their breasts 

 nearly touching the ground ; when apprehensive of danger 

 they crouch motionless, and when alarmed give information to 

 each other by means of their ordinary short note." 



