CHIFF-CHAFF, OR LESSER PETTICHAPS .— Sylvia rufa. 
WILLOW WARBLER . — Sylvia trochilus. 
The tiny Chife-Chaee, one of the smallest of the British birds, is the first 
Warbler that makes its appearance in these islands, and that cheers us with its 
pretty little song and its light, lively actions. 
The curious name of this bird has been derived from its cry, which bears some 
resemblance to the words “ Chiff-chaff ! Cherry-churry !” often repeated. This little 
song is sometimes uttered while the bird is on the wing, but generally when it is 
perched on some convenient bough of a lofty tree. The localities which it most 
frequents are woods and hedgerows, and so lively is it in temper, that its pleasant 
little voice is often heard before the trees have put forth- their verdure. It is a 
very useful bird, as it feeds almost wholly on insects, and on its first arrival saves 
many a grand oak-tree from destruction by devouring the caterpillars of the well- 
known green oak moth, which roll up the leaves in so curious a manner and come 
tumbling out of their green houses at the slightest alarm. Gnats and other small 
Hies are a diet much in favour with the Chiff-chaff, 
Another interesting member of this large genus is the Willow Warbler, 
Willow Wren, or Yellow Wren, its various names being derived from the 
localities which it frequents and the colour of its feathers. 
The habit*s of this bird are very like those of the Whitethroat, and it feeds on 
much the same kind of food, preferring insects to any other diet, and seldom if 
ever invading the fruit trees. It generally arrives in England about the middle of 
April, when its merry song may be heard enlivening the hedgerows and copses, 
sometimes being poured forth while the bird is on wing, but generally from som<* 
elevated branch. 
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