I. E S S E U W I I I T E T II R 0 A T. 
CURRUCA SYLVIELLA. 
The notes 1 have recorded in my journals with reference to this species are unfortunately scanty in the 
extreme. It is quite possible the Lesser VVhitethroat may have come under my observation in the north of 
England or even in Scotland, though the fact is unmentioned, and I am unable to recall to mind a single 
instance. The country hetweeu Doncaster and Knottingly, in the south of Yorkshire, appears to he the 
most northern locality in which this neat and elegant little bird has attracted my attention. In Sussex, 
Kent, and Middlesex the species, though local, is by no means uncommon during the breeding-season. 
It is also to be met with in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and a few of the adjoining counties, though in 
smaller numbers than in the south. 
I never recognized this Whitethroat on passage. The birds may be noticed, on their first arrival, on 
the south coast, frequenting for a day or two the thick hedges in the vicinity of the shore. In Sussex 
none remain during the summer within four or five miles of the coast ; I am of opinion that the whole of those 
observed to the south of the downs shortly betake themselves to inland haunts. In the well-wooded 
district immediately north of this range of hills the country is admirably adapted to their habits ; and here 
several pairs take up their summer residence, usually appearing at a rather later date than their relative the 
Common Whitethroat. 
The nest of this species is a particularly light and finely interwoven structure, being just sufficiently 
strong to carry the weight of the young brood, and at the same time so slightly built with dry and seasoned 
materials as almost to convey the impression of being old and deserted. It is usually concealed in an 
artful manner, though the situation in which it is placed is by no means unapproachable owing to the denseness 
of the cover. A spot is often selected among the stems of creeping brambles, or in stunted bushes of 
blackthorn, at no great height from the ground ; indeed it is seldom seen at a greater elevation than two or 
three feet. On one occasion I detected no less than five nests of this species along a low broad hedgerow 
(at most two hundred yards in length) dividing a couple of grass-fields in the Harrow country, about ten 
miles north of London. The eggs are slightly smaller than those of the Common AVhitethroat ; the tint of the 
ground-colour is purer (at times approaching a pale bluish white), marked with yellowish-brown blotches 
and spots on the larger end. 
For some weeks previous to their departure these birds may be noticed in small numbers in gardens 
and sheltered plantations within a short distance of the south coast. I conclude that the majority of our visitors 
reach this country by crossing the English Channel, and also depart by the same route, as I never received a 
single wing from the light-ships off the east coast. 
