256 
BIRD-LIFE. 
with its monotonous call, repeating the same a hundred 
times without moving from the spot. Then the Golden 
Oriole strikes up an accompaniment with its flute-like 
notes. With the very first glimpse of morning light the 
Pied Flycatcher and Redstart unite their melancholy 
strains, speedily followed by the melodious allegro of the 
Garden Warbler; the melting harmony of the Night¬ 
ingale, queen of the night; the Thrush and Blackbird; 
and should there be a field close by we now hear the 
Skylark’s rippling song. Dawn arrives at last, and with 
it all the remaining Warblers and Finches burst forth in 
one glorious chorus, their notes so intermingled as 
almost to defy distinction.” In the pine forest the order 
is somewhat different. First, after the Cuckoo, we hear 
the lovely song of the Wood Lark, which Welcker calls 
the “ Nightingale of the air ; ” then the blustering call of 
the Capercallie and the Blackcock; afterwards the Black¬ 
bird, Thrush, Redstart, and Robin, the Crows and Jays 
commence their orations; and then the Pigeons, Titmice, 
Goldcrests, Warblers, Nuthatches, and Woodpeckers; 
lastly, Finches, Buntings, Hedgesparrows, and others. 
They all sing their morning hymn fasting, only seeking 
their food after sunrise. Those who greet old Sol 
the earliest become silent at his appearance; the more 
slothful sing an hour and a half or two hours later on. 
Towards the termination of their song many already 
begin to feed, the Warblers especially, who will snap up 
an insect in the midst of a passionate outburst of melody. 
During the breeding season the first part of the morning 
is employed in building, and work is interspersed with 
song. After this time, however, a general silence prevails, 
except that here and there a few notes may be heard. 
The Warblers are now engaged with their breakfast. 
