WHITETHROAT. 
Ill 
about the bushes that grew beside the bank, and presently, at 
the distance of a few yards, found the nest. Does this action, 
practised by many birds besides the Whitethroat, proceed 
from the agony of its alarm, or is it an alFectionate device, 
practised to draw off the attention of the intruder from its ill- 
concealed treasure ? 
During the spring, the Whitethroat is found generally dis¬ 
persed throughout the country: we have found them in low 
and flat localities, and also on the tops of hills of two or three 
hundred feet in elevation. According to Gilbert White, they 
are found on the very tops of the Sussex downs; where 
there are bushes and covert. In summer, as soon as the 
young can fly, a change of residence takes place, and the 
nestlings are conducted by their parents to orchards and 
gardens, where, the fruit being then ripening, they commit 
much mischief, and are generally held, among gardeners, in 
great disrepute. 
This bird is found throughout Europe, the most northern 
parts excepted: it penetrates as far as Sweden and Russia, 
beyond the range of any other of the warblers except the 
blackcap. In the middle, and southern parts of Europe, it is 
the most common of all the Sylvias. It is plentiful in 
Holland. 
The note of this species, when alarmed, is shurr; and the 
call of the male in spring is hwed! hwed! 
The food of the Whitethroat consists of winged insects, and 
small beetles with their larvae, and caterpillars ; also many 
kinds of fruit. 
The nest of the Whitethroat, although usually denomi¬ 
nated a slight structure, is one of remarkable interest and 
beauty, and presents to the observing naturalist matter for 
much admiration. It is indeed in appearance a slight struc¬ 
ture, but its component parts are so skilfully and beautifully 
interwoven, that we know not any nest more strong, firm. 
