Periodical 
visitant. 
Song. 
186 PASSERES. SYLVIA. LESSER 
» Lesser Pettychaps.—Sylvia hippolais, Lath. 
PLATE 47. 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. 
Ficedula septima, Aldroy. (Pettychaps), Raii, Syn. p. 79.2 A. 7.—Will. 
. 158. 
Ta Panwetes des Roseaux, Buff: Pl. Enl. 581. f. 2., but the description of 
this figure refers to the true Fauvette des Roseaux (the Sylvia arundi- 
nacea). 
Boe fns Poitrine jaune, Temm. Man. d’Ornith. v. 1. p. 222. 
Le Grand Pouillot, Cuv. Reg. Anim. v. 1. p. 369. 
Gelebaiickiger Sanger, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 246.—Bechst. 'Tas- 
schenb. Deut. v. 3. p. 173. sp. 10. 
Lesser Pettychaps, Br. Zool. 1. No. 149.—Lath. Syn. 4. p. 413. 3 *.—Id. 
Sup. 2. p. 236.—Lewin’s Br. Birds, 3. t. 101.—Pult. Cat. Dorset. p. 9.— _ 
Mont. Ornith. Dict.—Id. Supp. 
Least Willow-Wren, Bewick’s Br. Birds, 1. p. 232. 
Provincial, Chip-Chop, Chiff-Chaff, Choice and Cheap. 
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 cf each. In a living state, the diffe- 
rence 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, 
Monracu 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 
winters of uncommon mildness, and in the warmest parts of 
Devonshire.—Its arrival is announced by its monotonous song, 
frequently repeated, and which it continues to utter through 
the greatest part of the summer. 
The provincial names it has acquired, as above recited, are 
expressive of the double note that forms the whole of this re- 
petition. This bird is very common in the southern and mid- 
