CHAPTER XXXYI. 



The Nightingale. 



Sylvia luscinia, Motacilla luscAnia, Lin. ; Rossignol, Buf. ; 

 Die Nacktigall, Bech. 



Desceiption and Character. — The Nightingale is considered, 

 by the majority of poets and musicians, to be the most sublime 

 and eloquent exponent of natural music to be found among the 

 ■entire tribe of feathered choristers. In size, this bird is from 

 5in. to Gin. in length, individual specimens in this respect 

 differing, as do most other varieties of birds. It is very 

 sombre in the colours of its plumage, but, when in robust 

 health, and young, is sprightly and vivacious, and rather pleasing 

 than otherwise in its contour. Its chief recommendation, how- 

 ever, consists in its wonderful power of vocalisation. 



In form and action the Nightingale resembles the Robin, but 

 has a longer and neater head, and smaller eyes. The beak is 

 •straight, rather thin, and pointed, the lower mandible being 

 slightly longer than the upper. The head, back part of the neck, 

 back, and wings, are of a dull greyish russet brown colour, being 

 greyest about the head and neck. The tail is russet brown, with 

 a decided red tinge. The pinion and covert feathers are rather 

 darker in shade than the back, and edged with a dull, indistinct, 

 greenish yellow margin, the under part of the wings being of 

 a dingy pale green. The throat and neck, from the under 

 mandible, circling round the under part of the eye, to the 

 shoulders, or pinions, and the belly and vent, are of a dull 

 ■dirty greyish white, or ashen grey colour, interspersed with a 

 shading of brown, more particularly towards the sides of the 



