BLACKCAP 



imparted to his song depends to some extent, at this early stage 

 of the season, on the weather. Cold winds do not suit him ; on 

 the other hand, sunshine is not a necessity, but warmth, no 

 matter whether accompanied by dampness or actual rain, he 

 must have, if he is to enjoy life to the full. On cold mornings 

 in April he often establishes himself on the top of some high 

 tree, and here for a while remains in meditation and song, 

 gathering what comfort he can from the warmth of the feeble 

 rays of the rising sun, that glisten on his breast as he preens 

 his feathers, while below everything is white with frost. 

 Presently, leaving his perch, he flies direct to the nearest ivy 

 berries, and having rapidly swallowed six or more, rests while 

 digestion takes place, then again goes in search of another 

 quantity. While thus resting he either warbles quietly to 

 himself for some minutes together, finally bursting out into 

 song, preens his feathers, or sits with all his feathers relaxed. 

 If cold winds prevail he makes his way during the daytime 

 to the more sheltered spots, where he can enjoy what sun- 

 shine there may be. I have sometimes found the males, early 

 in April, in a quiet corner on the outskirts of small woods 

 gathered together on the low bushes, there sunning them- 

 selves, with their feathers relaxed and fluffed out in their 

 peculiar manner. 



Each male on his arrival regards a space of ground within 

 certain limits as his peculiar breeding territory, and if two, 

 arriving during the same night, happen to have settled in the 

 same locality, a severe fight for possession ensues. During these 

 battles their whole attitude is expressive of intense rage, their 

 feathers are drawn closely to their bodies, but their black 

 head-feathers are raised ; they fly at one another, and, meeting 

 in the air, peck furiously at each other as they flutter round 

 and round. Such fights are evidently a great exertion, for, 

 when resting after each trial of strength they sit with bills 

 open, panting for breath, before they again dart off, flying- 

 very rapidly in and out of the trees. 



The note principally uttered is the one used by the male 



