THE CHIFF-CHAFF, 



OR LESSER PETTICHAPS. 



Sylvia hippolais, Lath. 



The length of this little bird varies from four 

 inches and a half to five inches. In its plumage 

 it so much resembles the Hay-bird, or Willow 

 Wren, that the two birds are frequently confound- 

 ed, and with them the Wood Wren : but this last 

 is at once distinguished by the under tail-coverts 

 being a pure white, and the plumage of a more 

 lively green on the upper parts than either of the 

 others. The Chiff-chafF differs from the Willow 

 Wren in its general colour, not being so much 

 tinged with yellow ; and the legs are dusky, which 

 in the other are brown. 



As it has not the varied and melodious song 

 of the Warblers, nor is its nest formed in the care- 

 less manner that is characteristic of that species, 

 but in a neat and careful manner, the author of 

 the British Naturalist considers it a Wren. 



It seems to be the hardiest and more generally 

 diffused of all our summer visitants ; it is found 

 in all parts of the kingdom where wood and hedges 

 afford it shelter and food. Its note is heard long 

 after the Hay-bird is silent ; and if the autumn 

 is mild, it remains as a straggler in the warmer 

 parts of the country all the winter. 



