THE MELODIOUS WILLOW WARBLER. 
685 
greenwood. It is fond of living in the neighbourhood of 
man, and is therefore often seen in small gardens, even 
in the midst of towns. 
The versatile talent of this bird stamps it at once as 
one of the most agreeable songsters we have. It is rarely 
still, always joyous, and ever ready to sing. Perched on 
a twig, this bird often sits bolt upright, raising the 
feathers of the head on perceiving anything out of the 
common, which gives it a serious appearance. It creeps 
and climbs nimbly through the thickest bushes, and flies 
actively from tree to tree; it accomplishes the boldest 
twists and turns with ease, always rendering itself con¬ 
spicuous to the observer. This bird’s call-note is like a 
smack of the tongue, though softer than that of the 
Blackcap, sounding like “deck, deck, deck,” or “deck 
derut,” &c. When squabbling it gives out a loud 
“ heydedeyteyt,” and quacks when frightened. These 
different sounds are heard almost without intermission, 
and but for its beautiful song would render the bird 
disagreeable. 
The male is not only one of the best, but also one of 
the most industrious of songsters : he commences singing 
at dawn, and continues performing the whole forenoon; 
then he rests awhile, and sings again from the afternoon 
to sundown. The song is a flowing allegro, replete with 
the most graceful turns, though not to be compared with 
that of the Nightingale. The Melodious Willow Warbler 
also mimics all sorts of strange sounds in the most comical 
manner, as well as strophes of other birds. He will 
imitate the song of the Swallow, the Starling, and in wet 
localities the cries of different water- and marsh-birds. 
In short, it is a real pleasure to listen to him. Unfortu¬ 
nately he sings but for a short time, at the outside up to 
