BLACKCAP. 
103 
INSESSORES. 
DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIADJE. 
PLATE LXV. 
BLACKCAP. 
CURRUCA ATRICAPILLA. 
The Blackcap, tlie next in rank, as a singing-bird, after 
the nightingale, is occasionally seen on the eastern coast 
of England as early as the 28th of March; but in late 
seasons its arrival is sometimes not noticed before the 
middle of April. This species is more widely diffused 
throughout these kingdoms than the nightingale, being found 
in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. It is also extensively 
spread over the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa, 
occurring in many distant parts, as we are informed by 
various observers. Japan, Java, the Cape of Good Hope, 
Norway, Lapland, and Sweden, and many intermediate 
parts, have furnished specimens of this species, in no way 
differing from our own. 
The Blackcap is more hardy than many of our summer 
visitors. Instances have been recorded of its being shot 
in this country in winter; which must, however, be consi¬ 
dered as of rare occurrence : but it does not, like our most 
tender migratory birds, entirely leave Europe in the autumn, 
since Temminck observes that some of this species pass 
the winter in the vicinity of Messina. 
This warbler inhabits hilly as well as level country, and 
is even found in Switzerland. It frequents woods, planta- 
