BLACKCAP 
31 
than for the nectar, as is probably the case, indeed, 
with most of those habitual hoverers at blossoms, 
the Humming Birds. But it would be interesting 
to know if those people who still keep these hand- 
some old-fashioned flowers in their gardens have 
ever seen the Lesser Whitethroats of to-day hunting 
for their food in the same curious manner. 
BLACKCAP. 
(^Sylvia atricapilla,') 
Haychat, Blackcap Warbler. — The Blackcap 
and the next species described, the Garden War- 
bler, are larger relatives of the two preceding 
species, and in many points display a close resem- 
blance. Both are birds of the dense green summer 
thickets, and both are heard far more often than 
seen, for they are shy and retiring in habit, while as 
songsters they are both in the first rank. Their 
songs are much alike in general character, possess- 
ing much of the Blackbird^s mellowness with a 
great additional vivacity and sprightliness, and a 
sustained and continuous flow which is their most 
characteristic feature among the many bird-voices 
of a leafy copse in May or June. But the Black- 
cap is much the better performer of the two ; 
some individuals are far finer singers, in the range 
and compass of their notes, than others, but all of 
