or BIRDS. 
>3f 
This bird is fomctimes called the willow N ight¬ 
ingale, becaufe it fings in the warm and clear 
nights in the fpring ; it makes its neft among the 
reeds, in bu(hes, amongftmarfhes,or in the thickets 
that over-hang rhe water. The neft is compofed 
of ftraw, dry grafs, and lined with horfe-hair, 
and conftruifted with great ingenuity : The female 
lays five eggs, of a dingy white, (potted with 
brown. 
The little ones, before they are feathered, will 
throw themfelves out of the neft if any body 
touches, or even comes very near them, though 
the neft be built immediately over the water. 
This bird darts from among the reeds to pur- 
fue the dragon fly, on which it feeds, and it drives 
away all other little birds from its immediate 
neighbourhood. 
It is an entertaining mock bird; it fits concealed 
in willows, or reeds, and imitates in a pleating, 
but hurrying manner, the Swallow, Sky-Lark, 
and Houfe-Sparrovv. It feems to leave us before 
winter. 
Tub WHITE THROAT. 
Plumage afh colour above, white beneath, the outer tail 
feather half white all the length, the fecond white at the 
tip. 
A ne ft: 
