SONG BIRDS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



reside during the whole year, uniting together as 

 the year advances, and searching out those spots 

 where their food, which consists of small insects, is 

 abundant. 



The song of this little chorister is a short strain 

 repeated at intervals ; weak yet agreeable ; sung 

 inwardly in such a manner, that though the tiny 

 warbler may be in the nearest bush, the notes seem 

 to come from a considerable distance ; but it can 

 only be heard when near, except in very calm wea- 

 ther. It sings only in the spring months ; and it 

 is most frequently seen in that season among the 

 lower branches of fir-trees, where it seeks its food, 

 and every now and then warbles its fairy strain.* 

 Pennant says he has often observed this bird sus- 

 pended in the air for a considerable time over a bush 

 or flower, whilst it sung very melodiously. In win- 

 ter it may be distinguished by its shrill squeak, which 

 somewhat resembles the cricking of a grasshopper. 

 It is very agile, and is almost constantly in motion, 

 fluttering from branch to branch, creeping on 

 all sides of the trees, clinging to them in all ways, 

 and often hanging with its back downward like 

 a titmouse. 



Bechstein says these birds are easily taken, by 

 cautiously approaching the branch on which they 

 are perched, and touching them softly with a limed 

 twig, attached to a stick of sufficient length to reach 

 them, when the gentle creatures become unre- 

 sisting prisoners. When taken, they are easily 



* J. Main, in Magazine of Natural History. 



