134 Lhe Blackcap. 

the sun by the broad clumps of boughs projecting 
from the stems. 
his bird is migratory, and visits us about the 
middle of April, and leaves us in autumn. As soon 
as it has recovered from its sea-voyage, it begins an 
inward warble, as if to get itself perfect before public 
notice takes place; it sings much longer than the 
nightingale, and is in full song when the latter has 
dwindled into a croak. It builds in May, placing its 
nest in a low bush or hedge, a few feet from the 
ground ; it is constructed of hay, roots and hair, and 
contains four or five eggs. The male bird relieves 
his partner in the duty of incubation, and often, while 
on the nest, betrays the secret home by his constant 
warble. Its movements are quick, but it is not so 
restless as the whitethroat, and at this time of the 
year its food consists of winged vermin, caterpillars, . 
and other small insects, those which run as well as 
the winged ones: the latter it seldom captures in its 
flight, but, hopping from bough to bough, clears the 
young twigs of their concealed enemies, especially 
rose bushes and fruit trees. 
