Smithsonian

Institution

Libraries

with Funds froni

CELIA BARTEAU

COLOURED

ILLUSTEATIONS

OF

AND THEIB

BY H. L. MEYER.

VOL. II.

CONTAINING SIXTY PLATES.

LONDON:

G. W. NICKISSON, 215, REGENT STREET,

SUCCESSOR TO THE LATE JAMES FRASER.

1844.

London ;

Printed by S. & J. Bentley, Wilson, and Fley,
Bangor House, Shoe Lane.

n :

•o

CONTENTS

OF

THE SECOND VOLUME.

PLATE

PAGE

Missel Thrush

46.

1

Japanese Thrush

. 47.

/

Fieldfare ....

48.

11

Song Thrush

. 49.

15

Redwing ....

50.

21

Blackbird

. 51.

25

Ring Ousel ....

52.

29

Golden Oriole

. 53.

34

Wheat-ear

54.

38

Wlnnchat

. 55.

45

Stonechat ....

56.

50

Redbreast . . . .

. 57.

54

Blue-breasted Warbler

58.

63

Redstart ....

. 59.

70

Tithy’s Redstart

60.

76

Grasshopper Warbler

. 61.

80

Sedge Warbler

62.

86

Reed Warbler

63

91

Nightingale ....

64.

95

Blackcap ....

. 65.

103

Garden Warbler

66.

107

Wlritethroat . . . ,

. 67.

109

Lesser Wlritethroat

. . 68.

115

Dartford Warbler

. 69.

121

Chilf-Chaff ....

70.

125

Wood VVren

. 71.

131

Willow Wren

72.

136

Golden-crested Wren

. 73.

142

PLATE PAGE

IV CONTENTS.

Fire-crosted Wren

PLATE

74.

^Vrcn ....

75.

Greater Titmouse

76.

Blue Titmouse

. . . 77.

Marsh Titmouse

78.

Cole Titmouse

. 79.

Crested Titmouse

80.

Long-tailed Titmouse

. 81.

Bearded Titmouse

82.

Alpine Accentor .

. 83.

Hedge Accentor

84.

Pied Wagtail

. 85.

Grey Wagtail

86.

Ray’s Yellow Wagtail

. 87.

White Wagtail

88.

Grey-headed Wagtail

. 89.

Rock Pipit ....

90.

149

152

158

164

169

173

177

181

187

193

198

204

214

218

221

226

229

I

/r.

ILLUSTRATIONS

OF

BRITISH BIRDS.

INSESSOBES.

DENTIROSTRES, MERULIDM.

PLATE XLVL

MISSEL THRUSH.

Merula viscivora. {Ray.)

This very beautiful species exceeds in point of size all
our British Thrushes, and we believe is also superior in this
respect to all the remaining species of the Merulidse common
to Europe. In England it is of far less frequent occurrence
than the song-thrush, and is partially distributed, preferring
well-wooded and rather elevated districts. It is resident
throughout the year with us, but more frequently seen in
winter than in summer, as its wants at that season overcome
its usual shyness, and it approaches nearer to our gardens,
and visits hedge-rows in search of berries. It is a bird of
unsocial habits, and in some parts of the Continent, where it
is migratory, it is observed to travel alone, or, at most, in

VOL. II.

B

2

MERULID.E

small parties, — most probably the family of the preceding year,
— and does not associate in flocks, as is the case with the
fleldfare and redwing. Its quarrelsome disposition is ap¬
parent in the violent attacks it makes upon any intruder
upon its chosen haunts. On this subject we have some
curious particulars communicated by a friend, the Rev. E. J.
Moor, from his journal : — “ We have at this time, Novem¬
ber 8th, on our lawn at Bealings, two whitethorn bushes,
about twenty yards from each other, one well-covered with
berries, the other getting very bare. The cause of this
difference is, that a Misseltoe Thrush has taken possession
of one, namely, the well-covered bush, which he has had
for some weeks. Whenever a blackbird or common thrush
lights on this bush he immediately drives it off very furiously.
He suffers chaffinches and other small birds to come on, and
seldom disturbs them at all, and never much ; but he never
allows a blackbird or thrush to remain on his bush for an
instant. He does not disturb them if they go to the other
whitethorn, where they may and do feed quite quietly. This
bush is getting very thin of berries. The Misseltoe Thrush
does not leave the lawn and its neighbourhood, nor join the
flock of Missel Thrushes which sometimes comes upon the
lawn. We have not, however, noticed the arrival of this flock
since our Missel Thrush took possession of the bush. At
this moment there are two blackbirds on their own bush
feeding quietly.

“ December 17. — I have observed the Misseltoe Thrush’s
bush almost every day, and have never seen one blackbird
or thrush suffered to remain on it for an instant. There
is scarcely a berry left on the blackbird’s bush, but the
Misseltoe Thrush’s bush is quite red with them. He keeps
sole possession.

“January 17, 1835.— A pair of Misseltoe Thrushes have
now got the bush, who probably killed the original possessor,

MISSEL THRUSH.

3

as a line dead Misseltoe Thrush was, a few days ago, found
near the bush, having a wound in his head.

“ March 2. — A blackbird settled on the Misseltoe Thrush’s
bush to-day. He was allowed to remain there, although a
Misseltoe Thrush was singing on a fir-tree not far off, and
quite within sight of what was going on in the bush. This
seems to confirm the notion that the original possessor was
killed by the more recent pair, who were either more pacific
in their tempers, or were less moved by hunger to be tena¬
cious, as now the birds are able to find other food besides
berries.

“ October 15, 1836. — A Misseltoe Thrush usurping the
same whitethorn bush on the lawn, at present only driving
off blackbirds and such larger kinds of birds as before : chaf¬
finches and other small birds are left to feed unmolested ;
a jay, coming for a berry, was severely attacked, and at last
obliged to quit the bush ; but he flew away with a berry in
his bill.”

Besides berries of various sorts, including those of the
misseltoe and juniper-tree, these thrushes feed upon snails,
worms, beetles, grasshoppers, etc.

The nest of the Misseltoe Thrush is large and firm in
construction ; it is built with a few sticks, dry grasses, and
roots, interwoven together, within which is a stout lining of
clay, similar to the blackbird’s, and lined thickly with fine
grasses. The outside covering of the nest is either green
moss or lichens, usually resembling in colour the branch
on which the nest is placed : whether this similarity of colour
is chosen for the purpose of concealment, or is merely in
accordance with the beautiful harmony that is everywhere
preserved in nature, we cannot decide ; but we have seen
Missel Thrushes’ nests placed in situations so exposed that it
would appear as if concealment for the purpose of safety
was not considered as of any importance. We remember one

4

MERULID.E.

that was built on the outer branch of a small oak-tree, over¬
hanging a lane, the common approach to the village for foot-
passengers, where, before the leaves were out upon the tree,
the hen bird might be plainly seen by every passer by, sitting
upon her eggs, and not a hawk could fly over without ob¬
serving the spot. This nest was, nevertheless, most carefully
covered with the same white lichen with which the bark of the
tree was clothed.

Much diversity of opinion appears to prevail with regard
to the song of the Missel Thrush, whose voice is sometimes
heard loud and clamorous on the approach of a storm, and
sometimes raised in angry cadence when its rights are in¬
vaded by any intruder upon its haunts. Its song, properly
so called, was considered by Montagu as superior to that of
any other of the Merulidse, although popular opinion usually
gives the preference to the song thrush.

The Missel Thrush has also notes highly expressive of
sorrow for the loss of its young. On this subject our friend,
the Rev. E. J. Moor, says: — “This spring, 1841, I saw
a hawk on our lawn, carrying off a young Misseltoe Thrush,
just full-grown ; the old birds were attacking the hawk
furiously, uttering sounds highly expressive both of terror
and anger. The hawk flew to a fir-tree close at hand,
and there was forced to leave the young bird, and to fly
away without it, the old birds following it still, but not
with such loud notes as before. When they had driven
the hawk to some distance, they returned to the fir-tree,
and notes of lamentation were set up (I think only by one
of the old ones, probably the female). The notes were
faint, moaning, and periodical ; very different in expression
from those lately uttered, and seemed very clearly to tell
that the young one had died under the talons of the enemy.”

The Missel Thrush is common, and resident throughout
the year in most of the temperate parts of Europe, except

MISSEL THRUSH.

5

Holland, where it is very rare. In Thuringia, Bechstein
speaks of it as a bird of passage, leaving that part in De¬
cember, and returning in F ebruary.

Its French name, Draine, and its German appellation,
Schnarre, according to Temminck, are descriptive of its
noisy vociferations whenever its nest is approached. Brehm
calls this species Baum Drossel (Tree Thrush), from its cus¬
tom of sitting singing upon taller trees than are frequented
by other species.

The Missel Thrush may be easily reared from the nest,
and becomes very tame ; it will eat almost any kind of
food, meat, bread and milk, oatmeal moistened into a paste,
etc. It is a very hungry bird, and requires to be kept in
a large cage, as it is very careless of its plumage ; it also
needs much water for bathing, in which it much delights.

The Missel Thrush, although dressed in very sober co¬
lours, is a handsome bird. Its upper plumage is olive-brown,
tinged with ash, wing-coverts brown, bordered with dull-
white, the lower part of the back, and upper coverts of the
tail, lighter brown, inclined to rufous. The quill-feathers
dusky, edged with cinereous, as also the tail, which has some
of the outer feathers tipped with white. The under coverts
of the wings are greyish-white, and there is a streak of the
same colour between the beak and the eye. The beak is
brown, yellowish at the base ; the iris brown ; the legs and
toes brownish flesh-colour. The under parts of the bird are
white, tinged with yellow-ochre, each feather marked at the
tip with a dusky spot, which is of a round form on the
breast, belly, and flanks, angular on the sides of the neck ;
the ear-coverts are greyish-white, spotted with brown. The
female very nearly resembles the male, but is whiter on the
under parts. The young of the year are paler and more
ash-coloured on the upper parts ; the feathers of the head,
neck, and scapulars, mottled with white.

6

MERULID.E.

The eggs of this species vary somewhat in colour and
markings ; some are greenish-white, spotted with brownish-
red and purple, others are reddish-white in the ground-colour,
with large blotches of red-brown : they also differ much in
size, the one figured in our plate being a large specimen.
They are usully four or five in number.

The entire length of the Missel Thrush is eleven inches ;
the wing, from the carpus to the tip, six inches ; the tarsus
one inch and a quarter ; the middle toe one inch ; the bill,
from the forehead, three quarters of an inch.

The generic characters of MerulidcE are : — Bill, of mode¬
rate length, slightly notched near the tip, straight at the base,
and inclining downwards at the point ; nostrils partly covered
with a membrane ; gape fringed with bristles ; legs of mode¬
rate length and strength, the tarsus longer than the middle
toe ; the outer and middle toes united at the base. The
first quill-feather very short, the third and fourth the longest
in the wing, The flesh of all this genus is remarkably good.

The egg No. 46 belongs to the Missel Thrush.

'^h- "1

1

4;-

JAPANESE THRUSH.

7

INSi:SSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. MERULIDJE.

PLATE XLVII.

JAPANESE THRUSH.

Turdus various. (Horsjield.)

The rare species, called by British ornithologists White’s
Thrush, the Turdus various of Java,* and the Turdus aureus
of the Moselle,*!* are by Temminck brought under one
article ; and we think the reasons assigned by this eminent
ornithologist may be the most acceptable information that
can be given respecting a bird so little known in England.
“No other distinction,” says Temminck, “ than a slight differ¬
ence in the size of the beak can be observed between the
two races of this species, of which the one appears occasion¬
ally in Europe, and is found as far eastward as Japan ; the
other is met with from the Isles of Sunda to New Holland.
These latter have the beak usually a little longer, and rather
more robust than the race which shows itself occasionally
in our latitudes, and of which specimens are received from
Japan ; although, in a great number of subjects from India
which I have examined I have found individuals whose
beak was certainly neither larger nor longer than those of
specimens from Japan. I unite them, consequently, con¬
trary to the opinion of Mr. Gould, who makes two species
of them, and appears also much inclined to form a third,
for the reception of subjects from Australia.”

* Horsf., in Zoological Researches in Java. t Stoll, Faune de la Moselle.

8

MERULID.E.

“At Java this species is found only in mountains from
six to seven thousand feet in height. In Japan it inhabits
also lofty mountains. Its food is said to consist of insects
and Avorms.

“ This species visits, occasionally, the west of Europe ; it is
abundant in Japan, and perhaps may abound equally in
other parts of Asia, from whence, probably, the specimens
have come that were obtained in Europe.

“In the colouring of the tAvo subjects taken at Hamburg,
and the specimens that came from Japan, I have not been
able to detect any marked difference, and only a slight
difference can be observed in the size of the beak betAveen
these and the Javanese specimens. Subjects from Aus¬
tralia exceed those from Japan and Java a little in size,
although they wear the same plumage.”

The above is a free translation of the information on this
subject, contained in the fourth volume of Temminck’s
Manual d’Ornithologie ; and when Ave consider the favourable
opportunity possessed by that author of studying Oriental
specimens from Java and Japan, Ave cannot but consider
his opinion as of the utmost weight.

The specimens that have been noticed of this species as
occurring in Europe, are tAVO, shot on the Elbe ; a third, sup¬
posed to have been shot in the New Forest, Hampshire,
now in the possession of Mr. Bigge of Hampton Court ;
and a fourth, that was shot also in Hampshire by the Earl
of Malmsbury.

The bird figured in our plate is from a subject in the
museum of the Zoological Society, from Avhich we took the
folloAving measurements : — Length of the wing, from the
carpus to the tip, six inches and three-eighths ; length of
the beak from the forehead to the tip, eleven lines ; from
the tip to the gape, one inch five lines ; length of the
tarsus, one inch one line ; of the middle toe, one inch

JAPANESE THRUSH.

9

six lines ; of the hind toe, one inch. The tail has fourteen
feathers. In the relative measurements of the tarsus and
middle toe this Thrush differs from the characters usually
quoted by systematists as belonging to the Thrushes, whether
taken as restricted to the Merulidce, or in the more enlarged
sense of the genus Turdus, namely, “ tarsus longer than
the middle toe,” this specimen having the tarsus shorter
than the middle toe by nearly half an inch.

It is to be presumed that this Thrush does not vary in
the tints of the plumage, or in the distribution of the colours,
from circumstances of age or sex, since Temminck describes
all he has seen as similar in appearance.

FIELDFARE.

11

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. MERULIDJE.

PLATE XLVIII.

FIELDFARE.

Merula pilaris.

The Fieldfare, the next of this beautiful tribe that
offers itself to our notice, is a native of the sombre forests
of the north of Europe. In these wild regions it passes the
short summer season ; but it is unable to sustain any great
degree of cold, and is consequently found to commence its
migration southward in September or October.

Fieldfares perform their journeys in large companies, and
great numbers of these birds spread themselves over all
the countries of the middle parts of Europe, shifting their
quarters from time to time as the various changes of the
season, the supply of food, or other exigencies may require.
In mild and open weather they are seen to frequent low
meadow-grounds, for the sake of the worms and other insects
that are to be found there ; but when from severe frost these
resources fail them, they resort to hedges and copses of white¬
thorn, juniper, and other berries, on which they become very
fat, and are then delicious eating.

In Britain they make their appearance about November ;
and we have constantly observed their arrival to be the fore¬
runner of increased cold in the atmosphere, the Fieldfares
preceding the change of the temperature by about two days.
They appear unable to bear the cold so well as the native

12

MERULID.E.

thrushes of our country, and in severe weather either flock
to sheltered situations, where plenty of food can be pro¬
cured, or pass on towards warmer countries, from whence
they return in March or April ; and again leave us, to pro¬
ceed northward towards their summer breeding stations.

Very few instances of the Fieldfare remaining to breed
in England have been authenticated, the greater part re¬
treating northward to Sweden, Norway, and Russia.

In those countries Fieldfares have been found rearing their
young in large numbers, and, contrary to the habits of other
thrushes, living in society.

The nest of the Fieldfare is described as resembling very
much those of the blackbird and ring ouzel, composed exter¬
nally of coarse grass and weeds, plastered within with mud,
and lined with grasses of a finer texture. The eggs are from
four to six in number, and much resemble those of the
blackbird.

Fieldfares are considered a great delicacy in Gennany
during autumn, where they are taken in great numbers by
means of horse-hair springes, and sent as presents to other parts
of the Continent, where they are scarce. The chief cause
of their fine flavour is to be attributed to their being obliged,
by severe frosty weather, to live upon juniper berries, Avhich
grow in very great abundance along the Rhine and other
wooded districts. When these birds are packed up for the
purpose of transport, they are half-plucked, and packed in
fresh-gathered juniper berries, which also contributes greatly
to increase the flavour. The German name of this bird is
Wachholder Drossel, which signifies Juniper Thrush.

It may be acceptable to persons living in the country to
know how, on the Continent, we set traps for taking these
buds, and consequently we give the description as fol¬
lows : —

A twig, about a yard long, — willow is the best wood for

FIELDFARE.

13

tlie purpose, — is bent in the form of a triangle, and fastened
by one corner to the branch of a shrub about four feet from
the ground ; to each side of the triangle is fixed a horse¬
hair noose, which hangs over a mountain-ash berry that is
stuck in a slit in the centre or horizontal part of the triangle ;
and in a plantation or pleasure-ground, right and left of
the paths, such traps should be tied, in the way described,
about three feet apart, and regularly supplied with berries
every day about noon, when the snared birds are taken out,
and the horse-hairs properly disposed. We have taken
from one to three hundred birds of the thrush tribe in
one morning, in Holland, in this manner.

The Fieldfare is found southward as far as Syria and Asia
Minor ; it is also very common in autumn in some parts of
the valleys of the Swiss Alps. It is said to remain the
whole year in Austria.

The song of the Fieldfare is stated by Bechstein to be
only a harsh disagreeable warble, but it is said by others
to have notes soft and agreeable. We have never heard it
sing, as we have only had this species caged in the winter.

The colouring of the Fieldfare is more varied than that
of the two preceding thrushes ; the head and nape of the
neck are fine grey, the former spotted with dusky ; the
back, shoulders, and lesser coverts of the wings, chesnut-
brown ; the larger coverts rust-brown, with a greyish tinge :
the quill and tail-feathers dusky ; the lower part of the back
greenish -grey. The chin, sides of the neck, and breast, are
pale rust-yellow, marked with blackish heart-shaped spots ;
the flanks are similarly marked, upon a white ground. A
pale-buff line extends from the forehead over the eye. The
feathers between the bill and eye are black, and the same
colour extends beneath the eye and over part of the ear-
coverts ; a dark line also passes from the corner of the
lower mandible to behind the ears, in a semicircle. The

14

MERULID^.

iris is dark-brown ; the eye-lid, inside and corners of tlie
mouth, yellow, which in the spring approach to orange. The
beak is rich yellow in summer, with a black tip ; in winter
it is tinged with brown. The legs are dark-brown.

In the female the colours are less pure.

The Fieldfare is about ten inches in length ; some measure
more ; the wing measures, from carpus to tip, five inches
and a half ; the tail is four inches and a quarter long, and
the wings reach nearly half-way down it when closed : the
tarsus measures one inch four lines, the middle toe one inch
three lines, the hinder, nine lines ; the claws are large in
proportion, particularly the hinder.

The egg No, 48 belongs to the Fieldfare.

r.-'

SONG THRUSH.

15

JNSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. MERULIDJE.

PLATE XLIX.

SONG THRUSH.

Merula musica.

This well-known bird, one of our finest singers if we
except tlie redbreast, is, like him, not only British by birth,
but a constant resident in his native land. His sweet and
varied song begins with the dawn, and continues, at intervals,
throughout the day ; but the evening appears the time in
which he most delights, — then he pours forth uninterruptedly
his rich and eloquent strain. “ Of all our resident birds, the
inflexions of its notes are the most modulated, distinct, and
harmonious. Perched on the naked branch of a tree, this
charming vocalist continues to pour forth his clear, melo¬
dious strains ; gradually they rise in strength, then fall in
gentle cadences, becoming at length so low as to be scarcely
audible ; especially towards evening, the song is continued
almost without intermission, and does not entirely cease till
night draws round its sable shroud.” If conscious of being
observed, his song suddenly ceases, and he silently drops
from his branch into the underwood beneath.

The song of this species is divided into distinct modu¬
lations, each consisting of four or five syllables ; every modu¬
lation is repeated in exactly the same form, after the manner
of the nightingale, from three or four to about seven times,
and then exchanged for another movement.

VOL. II.

c

IG

MERUIilD.E,

These are sometimes sloAvly, sometimes rapidly, pro¬
nounced, and the tones so varied as often to appear to
proceed from several songsters, placed at different distances
from the listener. We have heard Song Thrushes imitate
very successfully the beautiful chant of the nightingale.

The Song Thrush is very generally diffused throughout
England ; and as it does not confine itself to the woods,
as the missel thrush does, it is more seen and known. It
is the least shy of the Thrush tribe ; it inhabits and fre¬
quents gardens at all seasons, but in winter we have known
it almost as familiar as the robin, and if care is taken to
invite it with a little food, will approach close to the windows
in search of it. One hard winter, observing several thrushes
in the garden, we collected from some hidden corners, where
we knew we should not look in vain, a number of common
garden snails, which we strewed beneath the laurel bushes
where the snow was scantiest. Our snails were soon discover¬
ed by the thrushes, and a convenient stone being selected,
which the hard frost had glued into the grass-plot, the
snails were ere long consumed.

The manner in which birds of this tribe break the shells of
snails to procure their flesh is, of course, well known ; but
these thrushes are in habits, as in descent, truly ancient
Britons, and regularly return to the stone they have chosen
for their cromlech, on which they sacrifice their victims.

The Song Thrush is a very early singer, beginning his
song frequently with the new year. In a “ comparative view
of seven years,” supplied by a friend, this bird is cited as
beginning to sing between January the 8rd and February
the 26th, according to the season. It is also one of the
earliest in commencing nidification, and usually constructs
its nest among the branches of a low bush, or in the midst of
overhanging brambles beside a ditch or bank, and as the
nest is often placed among deciduous shrubs that have not

SONG THRUSH.

17

yet regained their spring leafing, it is frequently very con¬
spicuous.

The usual materials for the construction of the nest are
a few dry twigs, chiefly those of the birch-tree, interwoven
with green moss and grass stalks, so as to form a frame of
basket-work, very beautifully constructed : this is lined with
a thin layer of cow-dung, which forms the interior of the
nest, there being no after-lining of grass, as in the nests
of the missel thrush and blackbird. This unlined nest is,
nevertheless, warm and sheltered, on account of its depth,
and the impervious nature of its lining. The nest of this
species is remarkably light, when compared with the nests
of our other indigenous species. Among some ordinary sized
nests in our possession, one of the blackbird weighs six
ounces, whilst a nest of this species, on account of the su¬
perior lightness of the material used in lining, weighs only
three. The missel thiTish’s nest is still heavier than that
of the blackbird. Although so light and thin, the Song
Thrushes’ nests possess a great tenacity, and power of resist¬
ing the influence of the winds and storms, so prevalent at the
early period of the year at which they are constructed. The
Rev. E. Moor says, in reference to this subject, “ A very
violent hurricane of wind occurred this afternoon, November
the 29th, the most violent I ever witnessed : the whole day
was boisterous, but the hour’s hurricane excessive. Several
fir-trees, &c., were blown down on the lawn and other places
of the farm. Several days after this storm I was at the Rev.
W. Kirby’s house at Barham, and saw a Thrush’s nest
standing firm on the branch of an elm-tree in his garden ;
the nest was in an exposed place ; it had been there ever
since the spring, and appeared in no way injured by the
violence of the storm.”

The Song Thrush, as before mentioned, breeds very early.
By the beginning of April nests may be found containing

18

MERULID.E.

eggs, and young birds are frequently hatched about the middle
of the month.

The Sonff Thrush is watchful and cunning when it thinks
danger is near ; if pursued by a sportsman along a hedge
it skulks into a thick part, where it carefully lies concealed
until its pursuer has safely passed the spot, and then flies off
in an opposite direction, with a loud chattering noise, as if
rejoicing in the disappointment of its enemy.

The entire length of the Song Thrush is nearly nine
inches. The beak from the forehead to the tip measures
eight lines ; from the tip to the gape one inch. The wing
from the carpus to the tip is four inches and a half ; the
tail extends an inch and a half beyond the closed wings.
The tarsus is one inch four lines in length ; the middle toe
about one inch.

The plumage of the upper parts from the forehead to
the tail, olive brown ; the wing-coverts and tertials wood-
brown, edged and tipped with pale buff. The spurious wing
and secondaries edged with rufous ; the primary quill-fea¬
thers dusky, bordered with pale ochre, yellow at the roots ;
the tail wood-brown ; under-coverts of the tail white. On
the under plumage the chin, belly, and vent are white ; the
breast and flanks are rust-colour, more or less tinged with
olive ; the ear-coverts dusky. The upper mandible is dusky;
the ridge of the upper mandible and the greater part of the
lower mandible straw-colour ; the orbits are straw-colour, and
an irregular line of the same passes from the lower mandible
and borders the ear-coverts. A dusky grey line passes from
the nostril to the orbit of the eye, over which runs a line
of flesh-colour, extending backwards above the eye. The
legs and feet are brownish flesh-colour. The iris is rich
dark-brown ; the eyelid grey.

The young bird when still a nestling has the top of the
head hair-brown, mottled with rust-colour ; the wing-coverts

SONG THRUSH.

19

and mantle also brown, with a spot of rust-colour upon the
shaft of each feather ; the greater coverts of the wings and
the tertials are clove-brown ; the quill-feathers of the wings
and tail are dusky. The under parts of the bird are spotted
as in the adult, but the rufous colour on the sides of the
face and chin is darker. The inside of the mouth is orange,
the corners of the gape bright yellow.

Although the Song Thrush is indigenous with us, and does
not find occasion to leave our islands, the number of them is
greatly increased by flocks which migrate from the northern
parts of Europe to milder climates, in autumn. Hence may
arise the not unfrequent occun-ence of the white variety of
this species. About a year and a half ago, a friend of ours
informed us, that a gentleman residing in London had brought
up a brood of white Song Thrushes, four in number, which
were then in perfect health and spirits.

It may here be acceptable to know that the best mode of
rearing young Thrushes is by feeding them with fig-dust,
mixed up with water to a paste-like consistence ; now and
then, also, an egg chopped up in this food, or a little
raw meat, chopped up with bread. It is very necessary to
pay particular attention to keep the cages of young birds
clean and dry, or they wdll invariably die of cramp.

The egg No. 49 belongs to this species.

M JO.

REDWING.

hYSESSOBES.

DENTIROSTRES.

21

MERE LID JE.

PLATE L.

REDWING.

Merula iliaca.

Towards the end of October, or beginning of November,
vast flocks of this species begin to arrive from the north of
Europe, where they have passed the summer months ; their
appearance is usually, like that of the fleldfare, the precursor
of increasing cold, from Avhich they are taught to flee by the
unerring guide of nature. Their arrival in this our southern
part of England does not exhibit the peculiar features that
distinguish it in Holland, and other parts of the Continent,
which may be supposed to be their first resting-place in their
passage from the north to more southern climates. Here,
their arrival and times of feeding are not confined to any
particular period of the day ; in Holland, on the contrary, so
regularly do the flights of this bird arrive after a night’s
passage that particular hours of the day may be stated as
the times when they alight to feed. So certain is this, that
every child in Holland knows that eleven and three o’clock
are the times when our traps must be visited for Redwings,
and other migratory thrushes, which have been snared be¬
tween the hours of nine and ten in the morning and one
and two in the afternoon. The construction of these traps
Ave have already described in the account of the fieldfare.

In fine Aveathcr, it is supposed that Redwings travel all

MERULTD^

night, as at such times they have been observed to alight
in the morning' in a state of much exhaustion, as if from
a lengthened flight. Tall havthorn-trees are frequently cho¬
sen for a resting-place after their journey ; on these they
may be seen to rest in great numbers, making at the same
time a loud chattering noise.

They may be easily approached, and consequently fall
a ready prey ; and their flesh is very delicious. The cause
of the tameness, or unconsciousness of danger, which this
species exhibits, may be traced to their northern origin, being
chiefly reared in uninhabited wildernesses and forests, where
human enemies, at least, are rarely met with, and are, con¬
sequently seen without apprehension.

These birds have some notes by which their presence is
frequently betrayed ; these sound much like the touch of
steel upon a grinding Avheel. Redwings may easily be pre¬
served alive if kept in a large aviary, and soon become tame
and sociable ; they are lively and clean, but it is to be
presumed that they do not exert, when caged, the powers
of singing that they are said so eminently to display in a
wild state, since Bechstein, who speaks of keeping them for
several years in conflnement, does not appear at all con¬
scious of their vocal powers, which have, on the other hand,
been so much admired by persons who have heard these
birds to advantage among their native Avoods during the
summer season.

While in this country, their food is observed to consist
of Avorms, slugs, beetles, and other insects and their larvae,
Avhich they seek in Avoods and moist places, and in Ioav
meadow-lands, where they may be observed carefully seeking
for them among the fallen leaves ; they also eat berries
occasionally.

The RedAving is more tender than the other species of
migratory thrushes ; and on the first approach of severe Avea-

REDWING.

23

tlier, leaves England for countries situated still further to
the south, whence it does not return to us before February
or March, about which time it may again be seen in
vast flights, travelling onwards towards its native forests
in a north-easterly direction.

Redwings breed in Norway and Sweden, Poland, Russia,
and Iceland, preferring woods of the alder, or birch-tree :
their nests are placed among thick foliage, and are said to
be similar to that of the song thrush. Some authorities also
state, that the eggs of the Redwing resemble those of the
song thrush in colour and markings, although inferior in size :
while others describe them as more like those of the missel
thrush ; in which latter opinion we are supported by the
British Museum, which possesses a solitary specimen, from
which our drawing and plate were taken.

The Redwing is said to produce two broods in the year.

The whole of the upper plumage of the Redwing, includ¬
ing the wings and tail, is olive-brown : from the base of the
beak a pale rufous-yellow band passes over the eye and ex¬
tends backwards towards the nape ; beneath this, a dark
streak, following the same direction, passes, as it were,
through the eye ; the cheeks are dusky, with paler shafts
to the feathers, and are bounded below by a yellowish-white
band, which passes from the base of the bill to the back
of the ear-coverts ; below this line is a patch of bright ru¬
fous on the sides of the neck, mottled with brown ; all
the under-parts, as the chin, throat, breast, belly, and vent,
are pure white, beautifully spotted with angular and drop¬
shaped marks of a dark olive-brown colour. The beak is
dusky, the basal half of the lower mandible and the corners
of the mouth are yellow. From the base of the lower
mandible, on each side of the throat, descends a continued
line of spots, so dark and closely set as to form a triangular¬
shaped patch below the ear-coverts ; a little band of the same

2-1

MERULID/E.

spots crosses t]ic mitkllc ol‘ the throat, leaving the chin and
upper part of the breast pure Avhite. The under surface
of tlie wings and tail are pearl grey. The under coverts of
the wings and flanks are richly dyed with a bright rufous-
colour; from whence its popular name of Redwing is derived.

The legs are yellowish flesh-red, the soles of the feet
yellow. The iris is dark-brown ; the eye-lid is reddish-
grey in the winter, yellowish in the spring.

The male and female are very nearly alike, but the colours
of the female arc not so distinct.

The Redwing measures about eight inches in length.

The egg No. 50 is that of the Redwing.

Fi . 51

BLACKBIRD.

25

LVSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. MERULIDM.

PLATE LI.

BLACKBIRD.

Merula vulgaris.

More sliy tlian the missel and song tluaisli, the Black¬
bird, although a frequenter of gardens and orchards, is gene¬
rally only seen in the act of flight, hurrying with guilty
haste to escape from observation, conscious perhaps of some
deed of pilfering in which it has just been engaged ; for
with all our partiality for this delightful singer, we must
acknowledge that our cherries, currants, and raspberries have
not a more determined enemy. As soon as it is light these
pilferers commence their work, delighting us, however, at
intervals, as if to make amends, with their sweet melody.

Shy in its disposition and solitary in its habits, this bird
conceals itself in thickets, brushwood, and clumps of ever¬
greens, Avhich its short wings enable it to thread with ease
and celerity. Moist woods, and tangled copses by the
river side, or, in winter, springy places are much sought
for, as affording worms, slugs, and other ground insects, in
which this bird delights. Whenever it ventures from the
shelter of these retired spots it flies with haste and pre¬
cipitation ; and its colouring is so out of harmony with all
surrounding objects as to render it of conspicuous appear¬
ance. In a snow-scene only is its shining black plumage
seen to advantage, there it is truly picturesque. When

MERULID.E.

2t)

on the ground the Blackbird runs liglitly, and looks timidly
about, and while searching for worms and other ground
insects, frequently raises and depresses its tail with sudden
jerks, accompanied by a lateral expansion of the tail-feathers.

The song of this species is less varied than that of the
song thrush, but the tones are rich, soft, and mellow. It
is said not to sing so early in the year as some other of our
Merulid(E. Bechstein considers its period of singing in a
wild state to be restricted to spring and summer months,
commencing with hlarch, but when caged it sings nearly
all the year.

The food of the Blackbird varies with the season, and
consists in spring and summer of insects and fruits ; in
autumn and winter berries form great part of their sub¬
sistence, together with the larvae of insects, which they seek
for beneath dead leaves or in moist and shady places.

The Blackbird is usually seen alone, and never associates
in flocks ; the parents and the young family are- only seen
together for a short period after the latter quit the nest,
and then disjierse. They are quarrelsome in disposition,
and in spring the male bird is very jealous of the approach
of any other of the feathered race to the locality he has
chosen for himself.

The Blackbird is an early breeder, often preceding the
song thrush. Its nest is erected about three or four feet
from the ground in a whin or thorn-bush, in copse or hedge¬
rows, and formed much like that of the missel thrush, as
far as regards the interior lining of grass and the Avail of clay,
but the outside is less ornamented Avith moss and lichens.
In the specimen before us, the exterior is interwoven Avith
dry fern, the stalks of grasses, and a little green moss ; the
inside mattress, Avhich is two inches thick in some parts, con¬
sists of finer grasses mixed Avith skeleton holly leaves. We
have seen the nest of a Blackbird so neatly embedded in a

BLACKBIRD.

27

bank that it could only be detected when the bird had flown
off, by the form of the circular orifice ; the rim or border of
the nest not rising above the surrounding surface of the
bank.

Five is the usual number of the Blackbird’s eggs, and the
colour is pale greenish-blue, speckled with reddish-brown. In
preserved specimens the blue colour soon fades to dirty
white.

This species is common throughout the greater part of
Europe and Asia, extending as far northward as Norway,
and as far southward as Syria. In Germany it remains all
the year, contrary to the song and other thrushes, which
migrate there in winter.

The Blackbird is about ten inches in length : the wings
measure nearly five inches from the carpus to the tip, beyond
which the tail extends about two inches and a half.

The entire plumage of the adult male is shining black.
The eyelids are bright red-lead ; the beak is of a similar
colour, shading off to gamboge at the tip : in winter the beak
and eyelids are paler and more yellow. The legs and toes
are brown ; the claws dusky.

The hen Blackbird has no resemblance in colour to the
male ; the feathers of all the upper parts are olivaceous
dusky, darkest on the rump and tail, palest on the forehead
and sides of the neck. The outer webs of the quill and
tail-feathers are edged with cinereous brown ; the cheeks are
dark-brown, with lighter streaks along the shafts. The chin
is greyish-white, passing into brownish-rust colour on the
upper part of the breast : the under parts of the body are
dark cinereous ; all the feathers from the chin to the vent are
darkest in the centre, forming dusky spots upon the plumage.
The beak is dark-brown, with yellowish-brown edges, and the
eyelids yellow.

The young nestlings of this species are dusky-brown.

28

MERULIDE.

speckled over witli oclirc-ycllow ; the beak and feet are red-
disli-grey, the corners of the mouth and eyelids dirty orange ;
the young males may be distinguished by their darker plu¬
mage. After the first autumnal moult the young male birds
nearly resemble the adult, except in the under parts of the
body, Avhere the black feathers are broadly bordered with ash-
grey, and the adult plumage is not entirely perfected until
after the second autumnal change. A beautiful specimen of
the white variety of the Blackbird has for some time been an
inhabitant of the Zoological Gardens in the Regent’s Park.
This beautiful little bird appears perfectly inoffensive and
gentle ; in colour it is of a lovely cream or ivory-white, with
reddish beak and orbits.

The egg No. 51 is that of the Blackbird.

51

J^L. 51.

RING OUSEL.

29

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. MERULIDM.

PLATE LII.

RING OUSEL.

Merula torquata.

The Ring Ousel, or Mountain Blackbird, is a native
of rocky and mountainous districts, and although it appears
to be more common, during summer, in the north than in the
south of Europe, we cannot agree with Bechstein that it
breeds only in the north. According to the observations
of naturalists visiting the north of Europe, it does not pene¬
trate so far as the song thrush. Norway appears to be the
limit of its summer residence ; and in that country it is
seen in great numbers among the barren rocks bordering
on the sea-coast. In Sweden it is also found, but in less
considerable numbers. In Germany, the Ring Ousel is a
common bird in summer, upon the mountainous parts ; and
it breeds also in Switzerland among the rocks in many
elevated districts.

The geographical distribution of this bird appears there¬
fore very extensive during the summer, as it is found to
breed throughout Europe from north to south, where the
nature of the country is sufficiently mountainous, barren,
and wild. The elevation of the district appears to be the
source of attraction more than the mere temperature that
results from latitude ; otherwise, these birds would be found
in Denmark, Holland, and Prussia, which is not the case ;

VOL. II.

D

so

IMERULID.E.

iicitlicr are they rccorilctl to breed in the vast extent of
Russia. Following up these views, we naturally look for
the Mountain Blackbird in the most mountainous and hilly
parts of England, Scotland, and Wales; and we are not
disappointed in the search. In Argyleshire, in the range
of the Cheviot Hills, in Durham, Cumberland, and York¬
shire ; in Derbyshire, and in the mountainous parts of Wales
and of Ireland they are well known during the summer
season.

The partiality of this species for hilly districts, to which
it entirely confines itself during the greater part of the sum¬
mer, causes it to appear more rare at that season than
perhaps is really the case, since there is every probability
that the numbers that are seen in autumn upon certain
parts of our southern coast have, in fact, been bred in
England or Wales, or at most, not farther distant than
Scotland.

As soon as the first chills of autumn begin to be felt upon
these elevated districts the Ring Ousels descend to the plains
surrounding their native hills, and feed upon insects and
worms, juniper, mountain ash, and other berries. In France,
at this season, they frequent vineyards in like manner, where
they commit great depredations. About October these birds
commence their journey of retreat towards the south ; and
it is believed that the greater part of them retire beyond
the Mediterranean, and Avinter in the countries of Africa
that border on that sea. Some are seen, however, to remain
during this season in Italy. Their migrations are generally
performed in pairs, or singly, this bird being of solitary
habits and disposition ; small flocks are, nevertheless, seen
collected, at the period of migration, on the southern coast of
our island, as if waiting for a favourable opportunity to pass
the Channel ; but they do not associate or breed in large
companies, like some other members of the thrush tribe.

RING OUSEL.

31

In its form and general appearance, in its solitary and
sliy habits, and in its food, the Ring Ousel much resembles its
congener, the blackbird : its song also is said to bear great
resemblance to that of the blackbird, being melodious and
highly agreeable, although its voice does not possess so much
power. It has also the same manners and actions, and its
call-note resembles the word tuk.

When arrived, about May, at its summer rocky destina¬
tion, this species commences nidification. The manner of
its nest, the materials of which it is composed, and the size,
number, and appearance of the eggs, also strikingly resemble
those of the blackbird, but the site chosen is different ;
this is always exposed and unprotected, and the nest is placed
upon a bank or among the rocks, unsheltered either by bush
or herbage.

In adult plumage the Ring Ousel is a bird of handsome
and striking appearance, and from its beauty deserves a
better reception than it frequently meets with, when de¬
scending from its mountain retreat it encounters the merci¬
less eye of the sportsman, who is at that season ready armed
for destruction, and whose attention is arrested by the singu¬
lar appearance of its pure white crescent.

In length this species measures about twelve inches, and
eighteen in expanse. The wdng is short in proportion to
the size of the bird, measuring less than five and a half inches
from the carpus to the tip : the first quill-feather is remarka¬
bly short, not measuring more than half an inch, the second
a little exceeds the fifth, and the third is the longest in the
Aving: the first three or four quills are much pointed at
the extremity. The tarsus measures an inch and a half
nearly, the middle toe and claAV an inch and a quarter ; the
outer toe is closely united to the middle one, and the claws
of all are laterally compressed and remarkably blunt, from
the friction, probably, of the rocks on Avhich they are accus-

MEHUMD E.

tomed to perch, d'hc bcah is stout, and the ridge of the
upper inaudible advances a little upon the forehead ; the
nostril is large and oval, the base of the beak beset with
short but stiff bristles, and the space between the nostril and
the eye is covered with closely set hair-like featliering. The
beak is notched near the tip, and the upper line of it very
gently curved from the base ; the tail is four inches in
length, and is covered nearly half way down by the folded
wings.

In the adult male the crescent-shaped gorget on the breast
is pure white, the rest of the plumage dull black, which is
darkest on the head, neck, and breast, and palest on the
cjuill-feathers, particularly towards the tips of the primaries.
With the exception of the feathers between the bill and eye,
and the front of the cheeks, every individual feather is edged
with a paler colour. Those of the top of the head, neck, and
back are narrowly edged with cinereous ash ; the shoulders
and feathers of the under parts, as well as those of the wings,
are edged rather broader with pale ash-grey. The outer
webs of the greater wing-coverts and tertials are also tinged
with ash in addition to their edging. The tail feathers are
uniform sooty black, with the exception of the outer, which
is narrowly edged with pale ash ; the under colour of the

tail is dark grey, the wings are paler underneath, and the

under coverts of the same pale grey mixed with brownish-
ash. The beak is horn-coloured, the inside of the mouth
and corners of the gape yellow. Both mandibles are yellow
at the base in the spring. The iris is dark brown ; the eyelid
yellow ; the legs and feet are dusky with yellowish soles.

The adult bird is more uniformly black in spring, in con¬
sequence of the natural wearing off of the edges of the

feathers.

The younger the Ring Ousel the more broadly are the
feathers edged, and the less clear and distinct is the gorget
on the breast.

RING OUSEL.

33

A fine young male, shot in autumn on Shepperton Range,
Middlesex, has the entire upper plumage so broadly edged
with olive-grey that very little of the central part of each
feather is visible. All the feathers of the wings are dark
olive, edged with yellowish white ; the under plumage the
same, edged with a fainter and narrower border. The chin
is white ; from thence to the crescent on the breast the fea¬
thers are black, bordered with yellowish white, giving a
tessellated appearance. The crescent is brownish white,
much obscured by a semi-lunar dusky line that each feather
bears near the tip : the tail feathers as in the adult. This
bird was unknown to the party who shot it, who was a person
experienced in local ornithology ; a proof of its rarity in this
part of the country.

The German name of Drossel, which is in Germany com¬
mon to this and other species of the thrush tribe, such as
ring-drossel, mistel-drossel, &c., we retain only as derived
doubtless from our Saxon ancestors, in a local appellation of
the song thrush, which is in many parts of the country called
the throstle.

The egg figured 52 is that of the Ring Ousel.

3IERUL1D.K.

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. MERULIDJE.

PLATE LIII.

GOLDEN ORIOLE.

Oriolus galbula.

From the singular call-note of the Golden Oriole, which
we have frequently heard uttered from its wooded retreat,
have arisen the divers names bestowed upon this species in
various countries. In Holland it is called Willewouw ; in
Italy, Rigogolo ; in France, Loriot ; by Bechstein its call-note
is likened to the syllables ye-puhlo ! All these appellations,
although sufficiently different from one another in point of
lettering, convey nearly the same sound to the ear when pro¬
nounced.

This species, although rare in England, is common at some
periods of the year in different parts of Europe ; it is found
in the most wooded parts of Holland, and is still more abun¬
dant in Italy and France. In all these countries the Oriole
is a migratory bird, Avhich arrives late in the spring, and
returns southward at the close of summer, or very early in
autumn. In England, although of rare occurrence, many
individuals are recorded to have been shot or captured alive
at different times, and some instances have been authenti¬
cated of its breeding in this country.

Thickly wooded districts, and parks abounding in ancient
trees, are preferred by these birds. They are usually seen
alone or in pairs, and occasionally in small parties, consisting

rjr,

n. 53

GOLDEN ORIOLE.

35

of the parents and the young family. They are birds of shy
and retired disposition, and are rarely seen beyond their
■wooded tract, where they are generally hidden among the
thick foliage. Insects and various fruits, such as cherries,
figs, olives, etc. constitute their food.

The nest of this species is singular in materials and con¬
struction, and differs from that of all other birds found in
Britain. A specimen which we received from Suffolk was
suspended from the forked branch of a tree, and is composed
almost entirely of wool, interwoven and bound together with
long coarse grasses and fine fibrous roots ; it is about the size
of the blackbird’s nest, and of similar shape and depth, con¬
taining four eggs : this nest is remarkably light and very
beautiful.

These birds begin very early their southern migration :
they leave Holland and Germany in August : it is therefore
probable that their journey being commenced so early, is con¬
tinued to a very remote part of Africa, where they join their
brethren of African descent, and other tropical birds.

The season of moulting also argues a very distant southern
migration, as it takes place in February in caged specimens,
from which we may naturally infer that in a wild state they
pass through that change within the tropics, if not even in
the southern hemisphere, where the seasons are in opposition
to our own.

Caged birds of this species betray great restlessness at the
period of migration during many weeks in spring and autumn.
The song of the Golden Oriole is extremely pleasing ; it is
also capable of instruction in confinement. Young birds
may be reared from the nest by feeding them on ants’ eggs
and other insects, raw meat well chopped, and occasionally
bread and milk, but they require a great deal of care and
attention.

Most of the specimens of this species recorded to have

86

MERULID.E

been taken in England have been met with on the eastern or
soutlicrn coast, but it sometimes penetrates more inland ; we
have ourselves seen it on Burwood Common, near Walton
on Thames, in Surrey. This individual, a fine male in per¬
fect golden plumage, -was seated upon the branch of a tree by
the road, side ; it was probably on its migration, or it would
not have shown itself so openly : on being approached the
bird flew across a field, wdiere we had a full view of it, and
finally eluded pursuit. In the same locality, we remember
to have heard some years previously the call-note of this
species, but were not able to get a sight of the bird.

The genus Oriolus of Temminck, which that author has
separated from certain American species nearly allied, is thus
characterised : — Beak in form of a lengthened cone, flattened
at the base, laterally compressed near the tip ; upper mandi¬
ble nearly straight at the base, gently arched towards the tip,
and bearing a prominent ridge along the upper line, toothed
near the extremity ; nostrils basal, lateral, naked, and hori¬
zontally pierced in a large membrane ; tarsus shorter than, or
equal to the middle toe ; wings having the first quill very
short, the second shorter than the third, which is the longest.

The Oriole measures about nine inches and a half in
length, and eighteen in expanse. The tail is about three
inches and a half long, the feathers nearly even at the end,
and the wings, when at rest, cover three-fourths of its length.
The beak is nearly an inch long, and about five lines broad
at the base. The nostril oval. The colour of the beak
varies from pale reddish-brown to dull black, according to age
or sex.

The entire body of the adult male is brilliant yellow, in¬
cluding the head, neck, and tippet, the breast, and all the
under parts. The wings and tail are black, with the ex¬
ception of the tips of the spurious wing feathers, which are
yellow, and of the terminal portion of most of the side fea-

GOLDEN ORIOLE.

37

tilers of the tail, which are also yellow ; the quill-feathers are
narrowly bordered with white : the two middle feathers of the
tail are black. A black line passes from the base of the beak
to the eye. The iris is carmine-red ; the beak bright red¬
dish brown. The legs and feet are ash-colour.

The female is olive-green on all the upper parts of the
body, the under parts greyish-white, the shafts of the feathers
dusky : flanks yellowish, streaked with brown. The tail-
feathers are dark olive, those on the sides tipped with yellow ;
the upper tail-coverts tipped with yellow. The wings and
wing-coverts brown. The beak browner than in the male.

The young birds much resemble the female, with the
addition of dark shafts to the feathers of the upper plumage ;
their iris and beak are dusky.

The egg of the Golden Oriole is numbered 53.

88

SYLVIAD.E.

IXSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIAD.E.

PLATE LIV.

WHEAT-EAR.

Saxicola (ENANTHE.

The numerous family of the Si/lviada, the last of the
divisions of the Dentirostres previously mentioned, embraces
nearly forty native British species, some permanently resident
among us, some migratory. By various authors this large
family has been as variously divided and subdivided, in ac¬
cordance with their different views.

At the head of the Sylviada has been placed by some
recent authors the genus Saxicola, on account of the affinity
which its members have with the roch thrushes among the
Merulida, and as forming a proper connecting link between
that division of the Dentirostres and the summer warblers,
of which the Sylviadre chiefly consists.

Waste and barren districts, open downs and moors are
the chief resort of most of the birds included in the genus
Saxicola. They are lively, shy, and difficult of approach,
except during the breeding season. Their food consists en¬
tirely of insects, which they take after the manner of the
flycatchers, by darting upon them from the summit of a
hillock, stone, or bush, or by pursuing them on the ground,
which they are enabled to do with much celerity on account
of their long and slender legs. All the species at present
known are confined to the ancient Continent. The few

M. 54

WHEAT-EAR.

39

members of this family that are reckoned British, which are
only three, are readily distinguishable by their peculiar man¬
ners. In form they are stout, and the shortness of the
tail adds to that appearance ; and their heads are rather
thick and round ; but their long and very slender legs, and
the sprightliness of their actions, give them a peculiar cha¬
racter. They are continually flitting from bush to bush,
or from stone to stone, and when alighting to rest and gaze
about, the tail is continually in motion. They are birds of
handsome and varied plumage, and the young and old, male
and female, in spring and autumn plumage, all present dif¬
ferent appearances.

The Wheat-ear is a summer resident in these islands, and
although too local in its distribution to be called common,
is yet, in many places, very numerously dispersed. In spring
and autumn, the periods of their arrival and departure, they
are found in immense numbers on some parts of the southern
coast, especially in the counties of Dorset and Sussex : the
greater part of these are supposed to be winging their flight
to or from the northern parts of Europe, as they penetrate
even beyond the limits of the arctic circle.

This species is much attached to barren, stony, and rocky
wastes, and seldom seen in wooded or enclosed country, unless
in the immediate neighbourhood of a heath or elevated moor.
Their time of arrival in England is from the middle to the
end of March, according to the season. A friend, writing
from Suffolk, says : “ Several pairs of Wheat-ears were
observed to-day, March 80th, on the smooth declivities of
Saxtead bottom. One solitary individual made its appear¬
ance on the 21st instant, during the late inclement snowy
weather, but from that period not any more arrived here,
or at least were not visible until this day, when consider¬
able numbers were seen to frequent their favourite spot.
It has been remarked, that these birds arrive as they depart,

40

SYLVIAD.E.

one or two only in company, but in the above instance they
evidently seemed to come in a body, since we have con¬
stantly looked for their arrival each day, even preceding
the 21st, and none were to be found in their usual haunts.”
Montagu appears also to have entertained the same opinion,
and he thus describes the arrival of a party from their passage
across the Channel : “ On the 24th of March, 1804, a vast
number of these birds made their first appearance on the
south coast of Devon, near Kingsbridge, in a low, sheltered
situation, and continued in flock the whole of the day, busied
in search of food : the flock consisted entirely of males,
without a single female among them. For some time the
wind had been fluctuating, and the weather cold, attended
with hail and snow, for a day or two proceeding their ap¬
pearance ; and a strong gale of wind from the east obliged
these birds to make a landing so much farther to the west¬
ward than usual in such numbers. The Wheat-ear is by
no means common in Devonshire or Cornwall in the breeding-
season, and never plentiful in either during the migrative
seasons, but is most frequently observed on the fallow lands
in the autumn.”

In allusion to the peculiar localities chosen by this species,
the friend before quoted says, “ Wheat-ears are found par¬
tially dispersed on many parts of our heaths, but one spot in
particular seems selected as them most chosen resort. This,
their favourite valley, consists of a smooth grassy slope, the
ground beyond rising abruptly in the opposite direction ; it is
much frequented by rabbits, and abounding with their bur¬
rows, so as to afford every facility for the convenience and
peculiar mode of nesting adopted by these birds.”

“ The nest of this species is constructed of moss and grass,
intermixed with wool, and lined with that material, or rather,
if it can be obtained, with hair. The eggs weigh about forty
grains.” The nest is usually constructed in the recesses of a
rabbit’s burrow, or in a crevice among the rocks, and is often

WHEAT-EAR.

41

difficult to find, and Avlien discovered still more difficult to
obtain. The eggs are usually six in number.

The Wheat-ear moves with a smooth and rapid flight ; it
is never seen to alight upon a tree, rarely upon a low bush
or hedge ; but generally rests itself upon a hillock or mole-
heap, on a stone or embankment. It is a careful, and watch¬
ful bird, and Avhen perched as just described, frequently turns
its head to the right and left, Avhen the black stroke which
passes through the eye forming a horizontal line with the
dark beak, forms a very distinctive character. It is con¬
tinually on the alert, and on the least alarm flits away. It is
only under cover of a hedge or bank that an observer can
approach within a fcAv feet of it.

The song of the Wheat-ear is varied, soft, and pleasing,
and frequently continued unintemiptedly for a considerable
time, and in the breeding season is sometimes uttered when
hovering on the wing. When caged, it is said to sing almost
throughout the year.

In Sussex and other counties, where these birds abound
in such vast numbers at the periods of their migration, they
are taken in traps for the table, and being at that time in
excellent condition, are esteemed very delicious eating. In
September they begin to retire from this country, and great
numbers assemble on the downs of the southern coast for that
purpose : nevertheless, stragglers are occasionally seen much
later in the season, some having been noticed in November
and December.

We have seen this bird in Surrey during the breeding-
season in various open situations suited to its habits, such
as Box Hill and its vicinity, St. George’s Hill, Burwood
Common, etc., and on the open level plains also in Mid¬
dlesex that border on the Thames we have observed large
parties resting during their autumnal migration, at which time
the greater part of them were in their autumn or rufous
featliering.

42

SYLVIAD.E,

The Wlieat-ear is known in most countries of Europe,
from the coasts of the Mediterranean to the arctic circle,
but is most common in the temperate parts. Barren and
uncultivated districts appear to attach these birds most ; also
open downs near the sea, on which latter account they are
very abundant in Holland.

This species confines itself entirely to insect food, such
as the many species of flies that abound on dry and heathy
wastes, also grasshoppers, beetles, the larvae of insects, etc.

These lively birds may be kept in confinement if care is
taken to supply them as much as possible with insects, but
in default of these, bread and milk, bruised hempseed, and
raw meat have been found to answer the purpose. They
require in other respects the same warmth and treatment as
the niofhtino’ale.

The entire length of the Wheat-ear is six and a half
inches : the wing measures three inches and a half, beyond
which the tail extends about nine lines. The tarsus is an
inch long, black, slender, and covered from the ankle to the
feathered tibia with one plate, not divided into scales. The
middle toe is nine lines, the side-toes little more than half
that length, the outer one united half-way down to the
middle toe ; the claws are black, very slender and sharp ;
the tail measures two inches ; the beak is five and a half
lines from the forehead to the tip, and nine lines from the
tip to the gape. The beak of this species is intermediate
in form between the stoutness of the thrushes and the
slenderness of the warblers ; the upper mandible is slightly
notched, much compressed towards the tip, and somewhat
widened at the base, resembling the Muscicapidae, and is,
like them, furnished with a few stout bristles near the gape,
and has a strong prominent ridge running along the upper
mandible, and advancing upon the forehead. The wing
has the first qnill-feather about half an inch in length, the

WHEAT-EAR.

43

second a little shorter than the third and fourth, which are
the longest, and nearly equal in length.

The distinct and well-contrasted colours of the adult male
bird of this species, in summer plumage, are disposed as
follows : the head, mantle, and upper part of the back are
fine bluish grey ; the wings and wing coverts are black ; the
beak is black, and a narrow streak of the same passes from
the nostril, skirts the eye above and below, and expands
over the ear, above which a band of white crosses the fore¬
head, and passes over the eyes ; the chin is also white ; the
lower part of the back and upper coverts of the tail are pure
white, as well as the side feathers of the tail for two thirds
of their length, commencing at the base, the remaining third
part being black ; on the two centre feathers of the tail the
black portion reaches higher up ; the lower part of the breast,
belly, and under tail-coverts are white, slightly tinged with
yellow ochre ; the iris is hazel ; the eyelids, legs, and feet are
black.

The autumn colouring of the adult male differs conside¬
rably from that of the spring. At the autumnal moult the
white of the under parts is exchanged for bright rufous on the
breast and sides of the neck, and pale rufous white on the
chin, belly, and under-coverts of the tail ; the grey of the
upper plumage is obscured with brown, and the wing-coverts
and tertials are broadly bordered with rufous brown, the tail-
feathers are also narrowly tipped with pure white. These
two states of plumage are represented in the plate, and the
change from the autumn to the spring, or summer plumage,
is effected by the gradual wearing away of the edges of the
feathers, and by the effect of season on the bird itself, not
by a vernal moult, as these birds cast their feathers only in
the autumn.

The spring plumage of the adult female differs not very
materially from that of the male ; the black, white, and grey.

44

SYLVIAD.E.

are, however, much less pure, and the dark streak tlirough
the eye brown, and not so well defined.

Young birds of the year in autumn very much resemble
their parents when obscured by the autumnal moult, but the
line over the eye is rufous instead of white, and the dark line
through it very imperfect ; the head, back of the neck, and
mantle also have, at present, none of the grey feathering ;
they are chestnut-brown.

The egg figured 54 is that of the Wheat-ear.

J2 .

^3,

^4 .

14

PL. 56.

\

WH INCHAT.

45

lySESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYL VIA DM.

PLATE LV.

WHINCHAT.

Saxicola rubetra.

The arrival of tins shy and timid bird in onr country
seldom takes place until nearly a month later than that of
many of our summer visitors. According to the information
of a friend, curious in such observations, its appearance on
the coast of Suffolk varies from the 18th of April to the
6th of May, according to the season.

Whinchats are found dispersed generally, but not very
abundantly, upon upland heaths and commons, and delight
in warm, still, dry weather ; but usually remain concealed
in some sheltered spot, if the temperature is low, or the wind
boisterous. They are more impatient of cold than many of
our summer migrants ; this is apparent by their late arrival,
which is several weeks after the spring passage of the previous
species, the wheatear.

In its actions this bird is light and graceful in a great
degree. It perches usually upon the uppermost branches
of the whin and furze bushes, and other low shrubs, with
which the spots most frequented by it abound : in such a
conspicuous situation it may be observed, seated for many
minutes at a time, quite motionless, except when the head
is turned to the right or left from time to time to watch
for its insect f<jod, or to observe whether any danger ap-

VOL. II.

E

46

SYLVIAD.E,

proaclies. If followed, it takes fliglit, and skimming near
the ground, again alights similarly upon the top of another
bush a little in advance of the pursuer. Although usually
shy, and flying from the approach of man, these little birds,
during the time when they have young, either in the nest
or just able to fly, are very fearless whenever their nest is
approached, flying round and round the intruder, apparently
in great agitation ; it is, however, difficult to ascertain behind
which bush or clod their treasure is secreted, as they are
careful not to betray it by alighting upon the spot ; we
have frequently, on such occasions, sought for it in vain,
although, from the restlessness and distress of the parent
birds, we were quite certain that the little ones were not
far off.

The form of this little bird is elegant, and the plumage
of the adult male in spring is prettily varied with black-
white, grey, and pale rufous : the dark horizontal line through
the eye, the white streak above it, and the white spaces upon
the basal half of the tail-feathers, are sufficient marks to
render it readily distinguishable by even the inexperienced
observer.

The food of this species, in a natural state, is almost en¬
tirely insects, such as flies, bees, beetles, caterpillars, &c.,
some of which are taken by darting upon them from a bush
or bank, others are sought for and pursued upon the ground,
which they traverse with lightness and celerity.

Arriving so late in this country, and departing propor-
tionably early, it is probable that only one brood of nest¬
lings is reared by the Whinchat during the year, although
we have found its nest and eggs as early as the 17th of
May. The nest of this species is usually built on or near
the ground, either in the thick branches of a tuft of heath
or furze, or among tall herbage, or concealed behind a clod of
earth. Its component parts differ according to the locality

WHINCHAT.

47

in which it is found. One of our specimens, which was
taken from a low bank in a district of meadow land, is
composed almost entirely of small tufts of dry grass, such
as are usually to be seen scattered in meadows that are much
frequented by rooks ; a little green moss is interwoven ex¬
ternally, and a few cow’s hairs are perceptible in the substance
of the nest, but not disposed so as to form a lining : the
whole constitutes a thick and elastic mattrass of a flatfish
form, the cup, or hollow, of the nest being very shallow.
This nest was not so well concealed as is usually the case,
and the hen bird was surprised and taken prisoner with it,
together with four eggs. Another of our nests is entirely
different in the materials of which it is composed ; these
consist of green moss laid upon a foundation of a few dry
stalks of heath; some skeleton leaves of the black poplar,
whose stiff and seemingly unmanageable foot-stalks form
the basket-work ; and two or three long horse-hairs.

The eggs, which are from five to seven in number, re¬
semble very much, in size and form, those of the redbreast ;
they are delicate greenish-blue, more inclining to green than
those of the wheatear, and are always speckled more or
less with pale orange-brown about the larger end. The
young birds, in their nestling plumage, are mottled with
grey and white, but when fully fledged they bear much
resemblance to the adult female in autumn feathering.

One evening, in the summer of 1841, we watched for
some time a young family of this species on Shepperton
Range, a tract of open meadow land on the borders of
the Thames, in Middlesex, a spot much frequented by these
birds. The young ones had probably come out for their
first flight, as we had not seen them previously, although
the place was daily visited by us. They flew, by short
flights, from bush to hedge, and from hedge to railing,
fanning their short tails, and occasionally settling on the

48

SYLVIAD.E.

ground. They Tvcre anxiously attended by tlie parent birds,
who showed no disposition to leave them. We did our
best to secure one or two of them, but although they could
not fly more than a few yards in a flight, they were too
nimble for us, and kept themselves safely out of our reach.

The flight of these birds is light and springing ; and
they hover with a quick motion of the wings, rising a few
feet above the bushes, and singing at the same time their
pleasing song. In a cage, their flight from perch to perch
is light and noiseless, and performed with so quick a motion,
that the wings, when in the act of fluttering, are not per¬
ceptible.

This species is met with in most of the temperate parts
of Europe, where heaths and fertile districts abound, reaching,
in summer, as far north as the centre of Russia. It is found
in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and France; in
Greece, Italy, and Spain. In Switzeiland it is very common,
especially in fertile valleys that border upon Alpine districts ;
it even ascends the mountains to a considerable elevation,
Avhere the soil is well covered with verdure. In all these
countries it is a summer resident only, and very early in
autumn retires southward.

The adult birds are very handsome in plumage, especially
the male in his full spring dress. The beak and the long
slender legs are black, and polished like ivory, the base of
the beak beset with bristles. The feathers of the whole
upper plumage from the beak to the tail are dark brown
in the centre, bordered on the head and on the lower part of
the back with orange brown ; the intermediate parts, includ¬
ing the back and mantle, have the feathers bordered on the
sides with delicate grey. From the beak a dark line extends
backAvards, covering the ears ; above the eyes, and extending
to the nape, runs a line of pure Avhite ; another narroAver line
of Avhite passes from the corner of the mouth doAvn the side

WHINCHAT.

49

of the face, separating the dark ear-coverts from the delicate
pale orange of the throat and breast ; the rest of the under¬
parts are pale buff. The entire wing is of dark brown fea¬
thers, bordered with orange-brown, with the exception of
some of the greater coverts towards the body, which are pure
white ; another patch of white occupies the base of the coverts
of the primary quills. The tail, which is very short, and ex¬
tends less than half an inch beyond the wings, has the basal
half of its feathers white, the terminal half dusky, bordered
with pale brown.

The female bears much resemblance to the male in the dis¬
tribution of her colours ; the different tints are not, however,
so pure and distinct, and the white patches are of less
extent.

The young birds are far inferior in beauty to the adult in
spring ; they have neither the white lines and patches, nor
the well-defined dark band through the eye, nor the beautiful
grey upon the back ; their entire upper plumage is dull yel¬
lowish-brown, streaked longitudinally with dark brown, the
tips of many of the feathers paler ; the ear-coverts are pale
and ill defined, and the streaks above and below them dirty
brown ; no white is yet to be observed upon the plumage,
except at the basal part of the feathers of the tail.

The length of this species is a little more than five inches.
The wing, from the carpus to the tip, measures two inches
seven lines ; the first quill-feather is less than an inch in
length ; the third and fourth are nearly equal, and are the
longest in the wing. The tarsus measures about nine lines,
the middle toe the same ; the claws are long, slender, and
remarkably sharp. The beak is four lines from the forehead
to the tip, and seven from the tip to the gape.

The egg of the Whinchat figured in our plate is No. 55.

50

SYLVIAD.E.

JNSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIADJE.

PLATE LVI.

STONECHAT.

Saxicola rubicola.

The Stonechat is one of our handsomest indigenous
birds, when dressed in spring in its well varied and conspicuous
plumage. An inhabitant, like the preceding species, of com¬
mons and heathy wastes, this pretty little bird enlivens those
quiet and lonely spots, not only Avith its attractive plumage,
but Avith its singular note, whose sound resembles exactly the
noise made by striking two small stones together, and cannot
better be expressed in letters than in the trivial name
“ Tschecantschia ” of Gmelin. Like the whinchat, which it
resembles greatly in its habits and manners, it is usually seen
upon the uppermost spray of a bush, or clinging, as repre¬
sented in the plate, among tall rushes. It is not a shy bird ;
and, being much more able to brave the cold than the two
Saxicolas just described, it may be seen at all seasons and in
all Aveathers, and often in rough weather in summer is the only
small bird upon an extended common that ventures to oppose
its little bosom to the gale.

The flight of the Stonechat is rapid, but not usually pro¬
longed. It may be seen sitting for a feAV minutes on the top
of a bush, then suddenly disappearing, again presents itself
at some little distance in a similar position. This appearance
and disappearance is caused by its Avinging its flight close to

PI. 55

STONECHAT.

51

the ground, and again rising to gain the elevation of a low
bush or bank, thus tracing in its flight inverted arches ; but
if disturbed when it has nestlings, it flies higher, and with a
more continued flight. This we observed one evening to
great advantage, when we accidentally intruded ourselves upon
them. It was in a small sheltered valley among the hills,
whose sides were covered with heath and brakes. We had
no sooner sat down to enjoy the beauty of the evening, than
a pair of these birds hurried past us in much agitation, utter¬
ing notes that were doubtless understood as signals of alarm
by others of their species. Presently, another and another
pair took wing, and hurried about the little valley, testifying
by all their actions great disturbance and distress. We had
entered the place to watch the evening sports of the nightjar,
quite guiltless of any intention of molesting or disturbing
these pretty birds, and were much interested in their proceed¬
ings. As the gloom of evening deepened, we could only
perceive them, as they flew hastily past, somewhat above our
heads, by the white patches upon their plumage, which, con¬
trasted with the dark sides of the valley, shone out in the
gloom. As long as we remained there they took no rest, but
continually passed and repassed us, sweeping to the end of the
valley and returning, plainly pointing us out as the causes of
their distress.

Although the vicinity of their nest is generally thus be¬
trayed by the Stonechats, it is nevertheless difficult to find,
as it is very closely concealed, and the birds never visit
it when they think themselves observed. The nest is
constructed either on the ground beneath a bush, or tuft of
heath, or in the centre of a close whin-bush, and well con¬
cealed. We have met with it in the latter situation; and
should have been unable to find it had not one of the old
birds flown out on our approaching the bush hastily. The
sight of the bird induced us to look for the nest, which was

52

SYLVIAD.E,

not found until after a considerable search, and much annoy¬
ance to our fingers, so well and deeply was it concealed : it
was about two feet from the ground, and contained four eggs.
This nest was composed almost entirely of green moss and
roots, laid upon a rough foundation of dry twigs of heath.

The nest of this bird is, however, mostly built of short
tufts of dry grass, fine and loose roots, and other disjointed
and very anomalous portions of vegetable rubbish, together
with a few horse-hairs ; it is a rough and loose structure,
and when complete has neither lining nor border. In all
the nests we have seen of this species where horse-hairs were
present, they have been singularly made use of, not being
employed as a lining, but either woven into the loose sub¬
stance of the nest, or used outside to bind the whole toge¬
ther, being, in fact, the most substantial material employed.
But in denying the Stonechats the praise of skill in the archi¬
tecture of their nests, we cannot but admire their industry in
accumulating so large a quantity of materials together.

The eggs of this species, which vary from five to seven
in number, are generally smaller than those of the whinchat,
more pointed in form, and more polished in substance. In
colour they are usually light greenish-grey, blushed over
with a tinge of reddish brown, which consists of minute spots
most obvious at the larger end, where they sometimes form
a distinct zone.

The young birds in their first, or nestling plumage, are
mottled with greyish-white.

The food of the Stonechat consists chiefly of insects, aerial
and terrestrial. In the autumn they eat caterpillars, and
in winter frequent springs and the borders of rivers, where
insects are usually to be found. ^

These birds roost upon the ground, and are sometimes
taken by bird-catchers in their nets. When first taken
prisoners, their wings should be tied together at the tips

STONECHAT.

53

to prevent tlieir fluttering violently about, or they will ex¬
haust themselves with their angry endeavours to escape.
Not many succeed when taken full-grown : it is better to
rear them from the nest, which may be done with care : they
require to be fed in the same manner as the wheatear.

The entire length of the Stonechat is five inches and a
half. The beak measures four lines and a half from the
forehead to the tip : it is black, and furnished at the base
with bristles : the eyeli-d is black, the iris dusky. The whole
of the head and neck are black : a patch of pure white
occupies the space between the ear-coverts and the shoulders :
the greater coverts of the tertials are white, as well as some
of the upper coverts of the tail. The rest of the upper
plumage is black, bordered with rust-colour, the quill-fea¬
thers of the wings and tail the same. The breast is rich,
bright rust-colour, becoming lighter towards the belly and
under tail-coverts. The tarsi measure eleven lines ; these
and the toes are black and polished, the claws very sharp.
The Aving measures from the carpus to the tip two inches
eight lines : the first quill-feather is less than an inch long,
the second four lines shorter than the third and fourth, which
are the longest. This is the description of the adult male
in its summer feathering.

After the autumnal moult the black feathers of the head
and neck are bordered with a fringe of rufous, which is still
broader upon the feathers of the back and scapulars, and the
breast is not so intense in colour.

The female has the upper parts of the body brown, bor¬
dered with yellowish rust-colour : the throat is dusky, inter¬
mixed with white and black. There is a white spot, as in
the male, upon the greater coverts of the wings, and also
upon the side of the neck. The under parts are brownish-
rufous, darkest upon the breast.

The egg of the Stonechat is figured 56 in the plate.

54

SYLVIAD.E.

?

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIADM.

PLATE LVIL

REDBREAST.

Sylvia bubecula.

The warblers upon which we are now entering are, without
doubt, the most interesting of all the feathered tribes, and
the most general favourites on account of their pleasing and
lively manners, and their various and delightful powers of
song. In summer all nature is full of them. Some species
inhabit our gardens : others, less familiar, confine themselves
to the tufted banks of brooks and rivers : many reside chiefly
on the skirts of woods and heaths ; and a few penetrate into
the recesses of the forest. Everywhere we find these lovely
and gifted little creatures ; everywhere the ear is charmed
with their melody, or the eye gratified by the sight of
their light and graceful forms. They differ much in ha¬
bits, locality, and manners. Some thread their nimble
way hardly perceived through the thick and tangled hedge ;
some climb among the reeds and osiers ; some are seen
swelling their little throats as in ecstasy they pour forth
notes of gladness ; and others, unseen, warble their delicate
and varied song from a close and quiet shelter. Many of the
members of this interesting family are familiar in their ap¬
proaches to us, building their nests and bringing up their
young within our sight ; while others are little known but
to the natiu’alist, who seeks them in the retired spots to which
their instinct leads them for security. Some of these little

?15t.

i

REDBREAST.

55

vocalists sing during the night, others only in the day, each,
in its appointed time, joining in the unceasing chorus of
Nature ; and when the greater number leave our climate
in autumn, to seek a milder temperature, a few remain to
cheer our leafless gardens. To the lover of nature all these
changes are endless sources of the purest pleasure, and sub¬
jects of the most delightful investigation, to which the diligent
seeker of worldly pleasure can find no equivalent.

The Sj/lviadcE have many generic characters in common
in their external formation ; but, on account of slight vari¬
ations in form, and differences of habits and manners, this
large family is by most systematists subdivided into several
sections, which will be mentioned in their order. The
generic characters usually assigned to the Sylviad(E are as
follows : — Bill straight, slender, and almost round, higher
at the base than broad : nostrils placed near the base of
the bill, oval, and partly closed by a membrane. Tarsi
usually longer than the middle toe ; the outer and middle
toes connected : the claw of the hinder much arched, and
shorter than the toe. Wings of middle size ; the first quill-
feather short or wanting, the second a very little shorter than
the third. They bear much resemblance to the thrushes,
except in size. The birds of this family are lively and
nimble, but unsociable, even among themselves. The male
birds are possessed of the power of singing, in a manner
more or less agreeable. Their food consists of insects and
their larvse, berries, and worms. They breed in woods and
forests, on or near the ground, in thickets and reeds, in holes
of trees or rocks : they have one brood in the year, at most
two. They deposit from five to seven eggs, which are
hatched in a fortnight. The young desert the nest early,
and even before they can fly. In the Redbreast, genus
Erilhaca of Swainson, the bill is rather strong, furnished
with a few bristly hairs at the corners of the gape : the

56

SYLVIAD.E.

nostrils nearly covered by hairs projecting forwards. The
claws are very blunt, plainly indicating that it passes great
part of its time upon the ground.

The Redbreast is remarkable for its familiarity and con¬
fidence, its liveliness, and the beauty of its untiring song.
Of all our small birds it is the most interesting ; its en¬
chanting grace, its sociability and confiding dependence upon
our good will, claim for it the first place in our affections,
which, indeed, it generally obtains. In the qualities of its
song some few birds may rank above it, such as the Night¬
ingale and Blackcap, but the Robin enlivens us at all seasons,
not only in the height of summer, when all nature is joyful,
but, in the most dreary and gloomy days of November and
December, when other birds are mournful and silent, this
sweet warbler may sometimes be heard to pour forth his
plaintive melody, as if to bring more forcibly to our minds
that he is the best friend who is faithful in adversity.

In a natural state, the Redbreast sings the whole year,
except during the time when the young nestlings require
close attention : this period is no sooner past than its song
is recommenced, and is not again relinquished until another
year brings with it a recurrence of the same duties. The
song commences in the morning with the earliest dawn, and
is often heard late in the evening, especially in the latter part
of summer, until nearly dark. We had a caged Redbreast,
a great favourite, which always began to sing in the evening,
as soon as the candles were brought in. If there was music,
of which he was particularly fond, he would sometimes sing
so loud that we were obliged to throw a covering over his
cage, in order to keep him quiet. At other times, when
not excited by rivalry, his voice was soft and delightful,
and sometimes so low as to be inaudible at the distance of
a few feet from the cage. The Redbreast, when caged, is
very wakeful, and can seldom be surprised with its head
behind its wing.

REDBREAST.

57

Although so friendly with man, this bird is generally
unsociable with individuals of his own species, whether at
large or confined in a cage : under both circumstances, they
are frequently seen to fight. We have, however, found the
Redbreast very peaceable when confined with small birds
of different species, and have frequently kept him in a cage
with nearly twenty others, It is supposed, also, that, in mi¬
grating, Redbreasts travel singly, as they have occasionally been
seen alone at some distance from land. In a communication
from the Rev. E. J. Moor, that gentleman says : “ A young
naval friend of mine (Mr. R. Burroughes) told me that as his
ship was once in the Bay of Biscay, at a considerable distance
from any land, a common Robin Redbreast was picked up
one morning on the deck, weak and wounded ; it had been
driven against a mast of the ship in the night, which was
rough and squally. The bird was attended to, and re¬
covered, and continued with the vessel until she reached
Bengal, where it was taken to land and liberated. It used to
fly about the rigging, and come down on the deck to be
fed. Mr. Burroughes added, that it was highly curious
to see the Robin preparing to shelter itself about the different
parts of the rigging, &c., upon the approach of any coarse
weather.”

Although very sensible on most other subjects, these birds
very readily fall into a snare or trap ; one is no sooner caught
than all the Redbreasts within hearing come around to see
what is the matter, so unbounded is their curiosity ; and one
after another may be caught in the same manner by leaving-
one bird in the trap-cage to allure the rest. But although it
falls into a snare with such incautious precipitation, the Red¬
breast is not so easily accustomed to a cage as many other
birds ; and, unless taken at a suitable season of the year, flags
and dies after a few days’ captivity. It bears the loss of its
liberty best in the winter ; and we have kept individuals taken

58

SYLVIAD E.

at tliat season for years. In a cage, it is the most interesting
and sensible of all birds ; it is always active and lively, and
watchful of all that passes. If a new bird is put into the
cage, or aviary it inhabits, the Robin is the first that takes
notice of it, and immediately approaching, utters its note of
surprise, bows repeatedly with its peculiar dipping motion,
erects its tail, and in various ways endeavours to express
its interest or surprise. Its attention is particularly directed
to young nestlings, either of its own or other species.

The food of this species consists of insects of all sorts, and
earthworms, of which they devour great quantities ; these
are sometimes shaken or beaten till motionless, but often
swallowed alive ; elderberries and blackberries are also eaten
with much relish. Beetles and earwigs are likewise a favourite
food ; the former are held in the claw, in the manner prac¬
tised by tbe hawk tribe, and picked in pieces, having previ¬
ously been twitched and tossed about until apparently dead.
After eating food of this kind. Redbreasts cast, or throw up,
the indigestible remains, such as the elytra of beetles, the
wings of flies, etc. A young friend once informed us that,
walking in a road enclosed with trees, he had observed one
of the large beetles, commonly known as the stag beetle,
sailing in the air across his path ; suddenly, a Redbreast
darted towards it, and the two creatures met in the air, and
by the force of the shock fell together to the ground. The
young narrator said he watched them for a few moments
struggling together upon the ground ; when, fearing for the
life of the Robin from the formidable jaws of such an adver¬
sary, he could not help running towards them, upon which
the Redbreast flew off. The collision might have been acci¬
dental, but from the well-known boldness of the Redbreast,
and the circumstance of his being sufficiently at liberty to fly
off when approached, it would appear as if he had been the
aggressor, and had met this formidable insect with deadly
intentions.

REDBREAST.

59

Our island appears to be the most northern country in
which this species remains during the winter. In Saxony,
which is in the same parallel of latitude as our most southern
counties, these birds are only summer visitors, arriving in
March and departing in November, never remaining the
whole winter with impunity.

That some Redbreasts of northern origin pass the winter
in this country, we have long thought probable, from the
great increase to their numbers which is generally to be
observed as soon as the cold weather sets in. At the present
season, November, when our gardens and orchards are more
frequented by Redbreasts than at any other period of the
year, we have listened with surprise to the great numbers
that may still be heard singing in the open country. On
the 14th of this month, a day warm and fine, but which had
been preceded by a short period of cold weather, we were
strengthened in the belief that our native Redbreasts are

o

sometimes joined by a foreign migration, by listening, in a
well-wooded district, to the innumerable songsters of this
species that were to be heard all around. The day was still
and warm, and their little voices could be heard from a
great distance, from tree, and hill, and valley, as they an¬
swered one another in joyous response. Why should they
not in this country as in others obey the great law of nature
for their comfort and preservation, and why should not Eng¬
land serve as a winter asylum to many of this species that
have been reared more northward ? Especially as there ap¬
pears something in the climate of England congenial to these
birds. Probably the cause may be referred to the constant
changes in the atmosphere, which prevent the temperature
from continuing very low for many days together.

The Redbreast begins to breed early, nearly as early as
the hedge-sparrow, and often while the snow is still upon
the ground. The same memorandum in a friend’s manuscript

60

SYLVIAD.E,

journal, dated April the 7th, records : “ A heavy snow storm
at six o’clock in the morning,” and a Robin’s nest in the
garden, with young ones.”

The nest of this species varies as much in the materials
of which it is composed, as in the situation chosen. We
have one taken in the month of April from the interior of
the roof of a cow-shed, after the young birds were flown,
which is almost entirely constructed, within and without, of
cows’ hair, of a rufous, or reddish colour ; a very little green
moss can be detected interwoven in the foundation, together
with a few roots. The whole has the most singular appear¬
ance, and bears no resemblance at all to an ordinary Robin’s
nest. Another of our specimens, formed of the materials
most in use with this species, is chiefly composed of green

moss, bound together with leaves of the holly and black
poplar, both in the beautiful reticulated or skeleton state,
and the inside is lined with delicate white roots, and a
few horse-hairs. This is as usual a large and rather deep

nest, and its substantial sides are not less than two inches
in thickness : it contained when brought to us seven eggs.
The eggs of this species are oval in shape ; in colour they
are yellowish-white, speckled with brownish or Venetian-red,
chiefly at the larger end.

The Redbreast is generally diffused throughout England,
wherever w'ooded country abounds, or fields, hedges, planta¬
tions, gardens, or enclosures of any kind are to be found.
In all these different localities this bird is to be met v/ith at
most seasons, and in such places it rears its young. If the
locality chosen for its nest be a garden, the site selected is
usually a hidden corner in an ivy-covered wall or thatch. If
it be in the open country, a mossy bank, or a stump covered
with evergreen foliage, is preferred, or a crevice in a rock
where fern and tangled roots can serve for shelter or con¬
cealment.

REDBREAST.

61

As soon as the young birds can fly tliey are brought out
by the parents to seek for food, and sit upon the lowest
branches of a bush, or shrub, while their meal is sought for.
Thus in gardens they often fall a prey to the rapacious cat.
The young birds, in their nestling plumage, are very little
like the parents, except in their actions, which cannot be
mistaken. Their upper plumage is dark brown, with the
feathers tipped and bordered with pale buff ; the breast
yellowish-brown, mottled with a darker colour. With the
first tinge of red upon his breast the young male begins to
sing ; we have often seen him in this state, with his whitish
throat a little patched with a few red feathers, sit and sing in
fitful snatches, as if surprised at his own newly-acquired
powers.

The entire length of the Redbreast is six inches. The
beak is four lines from the feathers of the forehead to the tip,
and eight and a half from the gape. The wing, from the
carpus to the tip, is three inches eleven lines. The first
quill-feather is about an inch in length, the second two inches,
the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth are nearly equal in length,
and exceed the second by about four lines. The tail is
square, the feathers two and a quarter inches in length, and
extending an inch and a quarter beyond the closed wings.
The tarsus is one inch in length, the front plate or scale un¬
divided or entire from the ankle to the knee : the tibia mea¬
sures an inch and a quarter, the thigh bone about an inch,
the middle toe and nail, nine lines. The legs and feet are
slender, the claws narrow but blunt.

In the adult male the breast is bright rush colour; the
same colour extends in a band, from two to three lines in
width, across the forehead, surrounds the eyes and extends
over part of the coverts of the ears. This rufous mask is
entirely encircled by a band of clear smoke-grey, from three
to four lines in wudth, except on the lower part of the body,

VOL. II.

F

62

SYLVIAD.E.

■\vliere the red of the breast meets the pure white feathers of
the belly : the flanks and vent are tinged with olive brown.
The upper plumage, including the crown of the head and
nape, tippet, back, and coverts of the wings, is olive ; the
lower part of the back and upper tail-coverts are olive brown ;
the tail feathers clove brown, tinged with olive brown. The
entire wings, with the exception of the lesser coverts already
mentioned, are clove brown, the outer webs olive brown.
Five of the greater coverts have a dull orange on the tip of
the outer web. The under coverts of the wing's are tinged
with sienna yellow. The base of every feather of the body
is dark slate-grey with a white shaft, the colours above enu¬
merated occupying only the tips of the feathers. The eye¬
lids are black ; the eyes large, dark, and lustrous.

The egg of the Redbreast is flgured 57.

f

M.56

BLUE-BREASTED M^ARBLER.

63

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIADJE.

PLATE LVIII.

BLUE-BREASTED WARBLER.

Sylvia suecica.

This beautiful warbler is a regular summer visitor on tlie
Continent of Europe, where it is found in some parts in
tolerable abundance. It arrives from Africa early in spring,
and, spreading over the European continent, penetrates as
far as the north of Russia, Finland, Lapland, and Sweden.
It is also abundant in Italy, and in the mountainous districts
of France. But the western coast of Europe appears less
frequented by this species than other parts, since it is not
common in the western parts of France, nor in Holland, and
it is said not to be met with in Denmark. The fact of this
species being more or less scarce upon the Avestern coast of
Europe, may account for the extreme rarity of its appearance
here, where only two specimens are recorded to have been
taken.

Although widely dispersed in Europe, this bird appears to
be rather locally disposed. By Bechstein it is spoken of as
being seen in great numbers in its spring and autumn passage
through Thuringia ; but very few remain there to breed ;
while in other parts of Europe, both north and south of this
latitude, they are known to rear their young. According to
this naturalist, the migration of the Blue-breasted Warbler is
performed in large flights. They pursue their course along

04

SYLVIAD.E.

low grounds, frequenting the margins of streams and low
damp meadows, and frequently, if a return of cold and snow
overtakes them on their passage, they approach dwellings and
farmhouses in search of food.

From Greece, Italy, and Spain, these birds are found, in
summer, as far as Lapland ; but, except during their migra¬
tory passage, are nowhere very plentiful, or their habits
chiefly confining them to retired and unfrequented places,
render them seldom seen. They arrive in Europe towards
the end of March, or the beginning of April, the males
always preceding the females by about a week, and begin
their departure in August, or September, when they are be¬
lieved to travel chiefly by night, and alone.

The localities most frequented by these Warblers, on their
first arrival, are rivulets and swampy pools, marshes inter¬
spersed with willow and alder, and other aquatic trees, or
abounding in reeds, flags, and rank herbage. In such places
they conceal themselves so effectually, that, except by a very
attentive observer, acquainted with their habits, they are
rarely seen, especially after the leaves are fully come out
upon the trees. Occasionally, the male may be observed
sitting, for a few minutes at a time, singing among the upper
branches of a low tree ; but he does not long remain thus
exposed, but, quickly descending, seeks again the shelter of
the reeds and underwood. It is in situations of this descrip¬
tion that the Blue-breasted Warbler passes the early part of
the summer, in which also it breeds. Its nest is always built
either on, or very near the ground, but, on account of the
swampy or marshy nature of the locality usually chosen, it is
always difficult to find, and sometimes inaccessible. It is
mostly constructed among the remains of decaying herbage,
fallen rushes, or tangled roots, sometimes partly concealed
in a hole among broken ground. The nest is much like that
of the redbreast, composed externally of dead willow leaves

BLUE-BREASTED WARBLER.

65

and stalks, green moss, and dry grass or reed tops, lined with
horse-hair, or the white down of cotton grass. The eggs are
very beautiful, the shell thin and delicate, and of a bluish-
green colour, and are nearly round in form, resembling much
those of the pied flycatcher ; they are five or six in number.
The male frequently assists the female in the task of incu¬
bation, and never wanders far from the spot, but sometimes,
by his presence and his song, betrays the vicinity of the nest.
The young birds, before they are able to fly well, flutter
along the ground, and at that time much resemble the young
of the redbreast. The Blue-breasted Warbler breeds early,
the first brood being sometimes on the wing by the end of
May.

By Selby, Yarrell, and Temminck, this bird is placed
among the Redstarts, but, judging from its form and appear¬
ance, it would seem to have more affinity to the redbreast
and the nightingale. In its manners, also, it has numerous
and striking points of resemblance to these w’arblers, al¬
though in its habits it is rather less sylvan and more aquatic.
This species never frequents thick woods, nor is it found
among tall trees, except in the immediate neighbourhood of
water ; it, however, inhabits, according to Temminck, the un¬
derwood on the skirts of the forests that abound on the con¬
tinent where this bird is most plentiful. Its food is chiefly
sought on the ground, and consists of terrestrial insects, small
aquatic beetles, with their larvae and chrysalidse, also the
larvse of gnats, which are sought in mossy swamps.

As autumn approaches, the Blue-breasted Warbler is seen
to draw nearer to inhabited and cultivated districts, and to
seek, in potatoe, bean, and cabbage fields, the insects that
are to be found in great plenty in such localities ; but even
when brought near, by necessity, to the neighbourhood of
man, this species is little seen, owing to its retired and shy
habits, but quietly seeks its food, which consists, at that

SYLVIAD/E.

6 6

time, of caterpillars, slugs, worms. See., under these sheltering
plants, and its presence is often not perceived until in the
act of flying off.

In its habit, therefore, this species appears much to resem¬
ble the redbreast ; it is also as solitary in the summer, and
as pugnacious, never allowing one of its own species to in¬
trude upon its established haunts. Its flight, also, exactly
resembles that of the redbreast, performed near the ground,
and consisting of jerks, or springs, caused by the successive
expansion and closing of the wings. When on the ground,
this species stands very upright, in the manner of the night¬
ingale, displaying its breast ; it hops very quickly, then runs
a feAv steps with its wings lowered, and tail erect, and hops
again ; in running, it moves its legs with a motion so quick
that the eye can hardly follow.

The song of this species, although sweet and pleasing,
is much inferior to that of the nightingale or redbreast :
some of its notes are said, by Bechstein, to resemble those
of the wagtails. It is often heard to sinw dminff the night.

o o o o

Its call is tack-tack, feed-feed ! When caged, it is a lively
and sociable bird, and readily attaches itself to man.

In manners, this warbler appears to be very engaging.
“ Its beauty, sprightliness, and sociability,” says Bechstein,
“ unite in rendering the Blue-breast delightful. Its agree¬
able song,” he also mentions, “ sounds like two voices at
once ; one deep, resembling the gentle humming of a violin
string, the other like the soft sound of a flute.”

This species is fond of bathing, and, in that exercise,
drenches itself completely, like the redbreast ; it has been
observed never to bathe until the afternoon. It has a
peculiarity in roosting that more resembles the habits of
the larks than those of the warblers, namely, that it always
sleeps upon the ground.

AMren caged, this bird requires the same food as the

BLUE-BREASTED WARBLER.

67

nightingale, and other delicate warblers ; also ants’ eggs,
meal, and earth-worms. Its quarrelsome disposition is shown
when caged with another of its own species, in their continual
battles, which, if not interrupted, would certainly end in
the defeat and death of one of the combatants.

It is probable that this, and many other species of our
warblers, in pursuing their vernal and autumnal migrations,
follow the course of large rivers, on account of the number¬
less insects, both aquatic and terrestrial, that are to be found
upon their shores, and along the banks of the tributary streams
that join their course. Those, especially, that travel early, such
as the Blue-breasted Warbler, and the redbreast, must find
such a route highly favourable to the satisfying the first demand
of nature, that of food. Accordingly, we find Provence,
Lorraine, and Alsace, mentioned as visited in great numbers
by’ the Blue-breasted Warbler and the redstart, and other
summer birds, in the course of their migratory passage. This
tract of country having, through its centre, the Rhone, the
Rhine, and the Moselle, and being bounded on the eastern
side by the mountains of Switzerland, and on the west by
those of Languedoc, Burgundy, and Lorraine, leads from
the Mediterranean directly into the heart of Europe, where
these birds are seen in greater numbers, especially during
their seasons of migration, than in any other part of Europe,
and from whence they may speedily attain the northern
countries they are known to frequent.

The entire length of the Blue-breasted Warbler is five
inches and a half : the beak measures four and a half lines
from the forehead to the tip, and seven lines from the tip
to the gape. The wing measures nearly three inches from
the carpus to the tip ; and the tail extends, beyond the
closed wings, one inch. The tarsus is an inch in length, and
the middle toe seven lines and a half.

The male, in adult plumage, has the whole upper parts,

68

SYLVIAD.E.

including the two middle feathers of the tail, hair brown,
with a cinereous tinge ; the secondaries, tertials, and coverts
of the wings, edged with a lighter brown. The lower region
of the eye, and the ear coverts, are dusky, intermixed with
rufous. Beautiful azure blue feathers, like the plumage of
the humming birds, cover the throat, neck, and breast ; in
the centre of which is usually a small spot of pure white.
On the lower part of the breast this fine blue colour is
succeeded by a line of black, and another narrower line of
Avhite ; these are followed by a broad band of a rusty maroon
colour. The flanks, belly and under parts, are pale brownish
buff. The external feathers of the tail are rufous, at the
basal end, and dusky at the terminal portion. The legs, are
yellowish flesh-colour, the toes and claws inclining to dusky.
The iris is brown ; the beak is dusky at the tip, the basal
part, and corners of the mouth, yellowish, and beset with
bristles. Over the eye is a pale brown line.

The female has little, or none, of the fine blue that distin¬
guishes the male ; her throat and upper part of the breast
are dirty white, bordered, on the sides of the neck, by a line
of dark feathers ; on the lower part of the breast, the feathers
have a slight tinge of blue, with a dark mark in the centre of
each, forming a kind of gorget. A yellowish white line
passes over the eye, and encircles the ear-coverts, Avhich are
streaked with buff, and dusky. The upper plumage, wings
and tail, are much like those of the male.

The young of this species ditfer much from the adult.
Their upper plumage is dusky, Avith oval spots of reddish
broAvn along the shafts of the feathers. The feathers of the
Aving are bordered Avith pale brown ; the under plumage is
of the same dark colour, Avith similar oval spots of pale broAvn.
The breast of the young male bears an indication of the Avhite
spot, peculiar to the adult, in a pale broAvn mark. The under
tail-coverts are Avhitish ; the beak, tail, and legs, nearly as in
the adult.

55

5;.

BLUE-BREASTED WARBLER.

69

An opinion prevails with Temminck, Meyer, Nilson, and
some other naturalists, that there exist two distinct varieties
of the Blue-throated Warbler; one of these is the species
above described, from which the other differs constantly, in
having a rufous, instead of a white spot in the middle of the
breast. This latter variety, with the rufous speculum, is
considered by Temminck to inhabit, chiefly, the most north¬
ern of the countries above mentioned : the other, or the
species with a white speculum, as chiefly inhabiting the warmer
parts of the Continent, and rarely penetrating further north
than Denmark.

The egg marked 58 is that of the Blue-breasted Warbler.

70

SYLVIAD.E.

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYL VI ADM.

PLATE LIX.

REDSTART.

PhCENICURA RUTICILLA. (SwAINS.)

This lively and graceful little bird and its congener,
usually known by the name of Tithy’s Redstart, are the
only two of the genus Phcenicura known in England. They
differ much in manners and habits from the members of
the Sylviadce that precede and follow them, principally in
the localities chosen in which to rear their young, and in
their actions. But in these particulars in which they differ
from other birds they strikingly resemble each other.

The species under present consideration arrives in England
about the middle of April, rather later than the nightingale.
On their first arrival they may be heard singing their brisk
and lively song of invitation to their expected mates, but
after a few days, or perhaps weeks, thus spent, they apply
themselves to the more important duties of the season,
namely, the construction of their warm and sheltered nests,
and the care of their rising offspring. It can hardly be
said that the Redstart confines itself to localities distin¬
guished by any particular feature ; they are neither strictly
sylvan, like the nightingale, nor aquatic, like the blue-
throated warbler, nor altogether delighting in rocks and build¬
ings ; but they appear rather like the redbreast, able to
accommodate themselves to all these circumstances, and to

PL.Sg .

/ I -iHSt

REDSTART.

71

be in all equally at home. For instance, with regard to
the locality chosen for its summer residence, this bird is
frequently seen to make choice of a wild and retired situation
among over-hanging cliffs, partly covered with vegetation, and
interspersed with wood, where it appears so shy, that but
a momentary glance is obtained of its form, as it hastily
retires from observation. Having observed this, we can
hardly believe that it is the same bird that builds under the
eaves of inhabited dwellings, and even becomes so familiar
as to breed fearlessly in little boxes or jars placed against
a cottage wall for that purpose. Their familiarity is not,
however, by any means equal to that of the redbreast, as
they never enter dwellings like that buxl, neither do they
trust themselves much nearer to us than the edge of the
roof or the top of the wall. But whether the Redstart
locates itself in towns or villages, or chooses the greater
retirement of woods and forests, it still keeps itself at a
similar elevation from the ground, being usually seen upon
the higher part of the selected house, or wall, or pollard
tree. This bird is not, we believe, found in open, barren
country, nor in spots entirely destitute of wood. Among
trees, pollards appear to be most attractive to them, espe¬
cially old pollard willows, as affording, in their decaying
cavities, the sort of shelter in which these birds delight ;
and also because they conceal, in the crevices of their wrinkled
bark, innumerable larvm and insects suitable for food.

The Redstart builds in various localities, but the nest is
always more or less concealed and sheltered in all ; a hole in
an old mossy or ivy covered wall is sometimes chosen, or a
cavity in a willow tree : and so necessary does accommoda¬
tion of this sort appear to the habits of the Redstart, that
Selby considers the decrease of this species, in Northumber¬
land, attributable to the substitution of hedges for stone walls,
and to the removal of many aged trees, through the greater

SYLVIAD.E.

attention that has latterly been bestowed on the management
of wood. But the chief peculiarity in the breeding arrange¬
ment of the Redstarts is in their choosing, very frequently,
for the receptacle of their nest the eaves of houses. To such
a place they are known to return, year after year, if unmolest¬
ed. A nest thus situated, is placed beneath the tiles, among
the rafters of the roof, to which access is had through a
broken tile or orifice, made by that friend to the tile-mender,
the strong-billed and mischievous house-sparrow. In a place
like this the nest is sometimes placed as far in as the arm can
reach, and so devoted is the mother bird to the care of her
eggs, or nestlings, or so confident in the security of her
position, that she will suffer herself to be touched by the
hand before she attempts to fly off, and when flown will
not retreat beyond the roof that shelters her treasures. The
young birds of this species are almost entirely like the young
of the red-breast ; but can be distinguished from them
when flying from hedge to hedge by the rufous colour upon
the tail, which shows plainly when the little wings are spread
in flight.

The nest of the Redstart is composed of grass and moss,
lined with feathers and hair : the eggs are six or seven in
number, of a clear bluish-green, and in form oval.

The song of this bird is sweet, and its organs appear very
flexible, as it is said readily, even in a wild state, to imitate
the notes of other birds. It sings chiefly morning and even¬
ing.

The actions of the Redstart are quick and lively ; he
usually appears timid, and frightened, and continually shakes
his tail.

The food of this species, which consists greatly in the
larvae of insects, is sought for among old trees, walls, and
buildings ; also in old mossy orchards, etc., etc. Besides
insects, and then larvae, these birds eat elderberries and other

REDSTART.

73

fruits. Bechstein cautions bird-fanciers against giving them
earth-worms, as they are hurtful to them when caged ; but,
according to Sweet, they are fond of common maggots and
meal-Avorms.

This delicate bird penetrates as far towards the north as
Siberia, and is found eastAvard to Japan ; in all intermediate
countries, Ave may presume, it is also to be met with in
suitable localities, but it is nowhere very numerous or com¬
mon. It is said to be heard in Germany as early as the end
of March, some weeks before the usual period of its arrival
here, which agrees with our supposition before mentioned,
that the greater part of our migratory AAnrblers, which pass
nortliAvard in spring from Africa, first penetrate through the
valleys of the Rhone and the Rhine to the heart of Europe,
and thence disperse in all directions, Avhere the climate, and
the necessary supplies of food, invite them. With us this
bii-d is seldom seen before the second or third Aveek in April,
and begins its southward passage again in August, or Sept¬
ember.

Towards autumn these birds may be seen, accompanied by
their young family, but it is the general impression that the
young members of this species, and of other small birds, do
not migrate wdth the adult, the parents preceding the young
birds by a week or two.

This bird appears more common in the eastern than the
western parts of England. In Suffolk, Ave have observed
it to be tolerably common, but it is less so in Surrey and
Middlesex, although, in both counties, we have seen it in
villages and roadside hedges, and also in a retired and beau¬
tiful acclivity, covered Avith trees, Avhich rises from the banks
of the river Mole.

The chief distinguishing characters of the genus Phoenicura
are : “ bill slender, as broad as high at the base ; rictus nearly
smooth ; tarsi moderate ; Avings rather long, the third and

74

SYLVIAD.E.

fourth quills the longest ; tail even ; the feathers obtuse, and
generally rufous.'” ( Jenyns.)

The Redstart measures five inches and three quarters in
length, and nine and a half in expanse. The beak is four
lines and a half from the forehead to the tip ; the legs are
slender ; the tarsus, Avhich measures about an inch, is covered
with a single plate, or scale ; the toes are armed with very
sharp claws.

In the adult male, in spring, the forehead, orbits, ear-
coverts, throat, and breast, are fine black, and a small patch
of pure white occupies the fore part of the crowm of the head.
The rest of the head, back, and scapulars are fine blue grey ;
the Avings and wing-coverts are hair brown, Avith paler margins
to the feathers. The two middle feathers of the tail are, in
some specimens, broAvn, in others rufous, tinged with broAvn
along the shaft ; the tail-coverts and outer feathers of the
tail are rusty red ; the breast is bright rust red, lighter to¬
wards the belly, which is white ; the under wing-coverts are
beautiful rust red. The legs are reddish black ; the iris
broAvn ; the beak black at the tip and yellow at the corners of
the gape.

In the adult male in autumn the upper plumage has
brownish-grey borders ; and the feathers on the under parts,
including the throat, breast, and cheeks, are so broadly edged
Avith pale broA\m fringes that the primitive colours are almost
hidden by them.

The female has the entire upper plumage greyish-brown,
the under plumage reddish-white ; the back and tail as in
the male ; the chin and throat are Avhite, the breast shaded
Avith brown.

The young birds, before their moult, have the upper
plumage olive-brown, clouded with black, and spotted Avith
rust-yelloAv ; the throat yellowish-Avhite, spotted Avith black¬
ish grey ; the tail and Avings are darker than in the adult,

REDSTART.

75

and bordered with rusty-brown ; the base of the beak is
flesh-coloured, and the corners yellow. They may be dis¬
tinguished from the young of the nightingale by their
darker legs.

The egg of this bird is figured 59.

76

SYLVIAD.E.

nVSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES.

SYL VIA Dm.

PLATE LX.

TITHY’S REDSTART.

Phcenicura Tithys.

This Redstart is scarcely so widely diffused in Europe
as the preceding species, since it does not, except very rarely,
extend its Avestern migration so far as our OAvn islands, and
its northern boundary is limited to the centre of Sweden,
wdiere it is considered an uncommon bird. It inhabits many
parts of the middle of Europe, and of Asia. It is a truly
Alpine bird, and is, consequently, common in Switzerland,
Avhich appears to be a country particularly adapted to its
taste. It is found there above the region of vegetation,
and bordering on that of eternal snoAv. It has even been
knoAvn to remain in SAvitzerland the Avhole year in sheltered
valleys, if the season has been sufficiently mild for the
springs to remain open.

In countries of a less Alpine character, this bird contents
itself with dwelling among high rocks and cliffs, blocks of
stone or granite. In mountain districts it is very common
in towns and Aullages : it is seldom seen in forests or woods,
seldomer in low and marshy countries, except during migra¬
tion ; it is, consequently, rare in Holland.

In toAAms and villages on the Continent this species is
much more common than our Redstart is here ; and seeks
the most elevated parts of toAvers, houses, churches, and

n.6o.

TITHYS REDSTART.

77

ruins; whence it continually pours forth its lively song, which,
beginning with the dawn, hardly ends with daylight. Its
vocal powers are said to be far inferior to those of the com¬
mon Redstart, both in quality and compass.

This little bird is restless and shy, and although seeking
inhabited places, such as cities and towns, appears to do so
more on account of the elevated objects such places afford
than from any sociability of character, as they never descend
from their elevated station, nor appear even in crowded cities
to take much notice of, or to be at all molested by, the noise
and bustle below.

The spring and summer are passed by them in these
lofty abodes ; and in such places of concealment and safety
as rocks and edifices afford, they bring up their young fami¬
lies. To this mode of nidification the present species of
Redstart is even more attached than the former one, and
its nest is more commonly deposited among the broken walls
of a ruin, about the tower or spire of a church, or beneath
the tiles of a house, than in any other situation. In rocky
country they are found in fissures and crevices, and in holes
of rude walls.

The nest of this species is rather on a large scale, and con¬
structed of dry stalks and grasses, and fibrous roots of plants,
closely matted together ; the inner lining is hair, or feathers.
The eggs, which are pure white, are from five to seven in
number, and the young are hatched after thirteen days’ incu¬
bation. , The nestlings are fed with flies, gnats, spiders, and
their eggs, chrysalidee, and the larvae of such insects as fre¬
quent walls and rocks. The song of the male bird is some¬
what silenced during the period when the cares of the family
engage his attention, although at other times incessant. At
this period the parent birds are very restless and clamorous,
and frequently repeat their cry of Jid-Jid, tack-tack ! These
notes are differently pronounced from those of the common

VOL. ir.

G

78

SYLVIADE.

Redstart, although having nearly the same construction. The
first brood is hatched the beginning of May, and another
frequently succeeds, which flies in June. Like some other
species, whose place of incubation is a building or rock, these
birds frequently return to the same spot year after year.

In flight these Redstarts are quick and agile, sporting and
tumbling over in the air, and rising and falling at plea¬
sure, with great quickness and grace. They are frequently
seen gambolling on the roofs of houses, with their young
family, but chase away all intruders. In walking, these
birds are very erect, and bend their legs but little ; they
frequently wag their tails, like the common Redstart, and
dip, or curtsy, in the manner of the redbreast ; especially
if an enemy approaches, or they see anything that particularly
attracts their attention, when these actions are continually
repeated, and accompanied with their cry of alarm.

In autumn these birds frequent gardens, in search of elder¬
berries and insects, which they seek among vegetables, or in
fresh-turned ground. The entire length of Tithy’s Red¬
start is six inches and a quarter ; the expanse ten and a half ;
the tail-feathers are two inches and a half, and extend one
inch beyond the closed wdngs. The first quill is very short,
the second half an inch shorter than the third, and equal to
the seventh : the fourth and fifth are the longest. The beak
is thin, and awl-shaped, and compressed towards the tip ; five
lines in length, two lines broad at the base, and one and a
half high; the nostrils are oval, half covered with a membrane,
and partly concealed with hairs. The legs are slender, the
toes thin, and the claws very sharp. The tarsus measures one
inch, the middle toe and claw seven lines and a half.

The adult male, in spring and summer, is of a fine bluish
slate colour on the upper parts of the body, including the
forehead and crown of the head, the back and scapulars : the
lower part of the breast and belly are the same colour. The

TITHY S REDSTART.

79

eyes are encircled with black, which also extends over the
sides of the face, neck, throat and breast. The wing coverts
are dusky black, bordered with ash ; the tertials are black,
deeply bordered with white on the outer edge : the quill
feathers are dusky, as are also the two middle feathers of the
tail ; the outer feathers of the tail are bright rust colour,
slightly bordered towards the tip with brown. The middle
of the belly is white, the vent and under tail-coverts pale
rust ; the beak is black, the corners of the mouth and inside
yellow ; the iris dark brown. Towards the end of summer
the grey edges wear away, and the whole bird appears blacker :
it is thus the Motacilla atrata of authors. In Italy, and other
parts of the south of Europe, they are generally darker than
in the north, as warm weather contributes to the wearing
away of the edges. After the autumnal moult, the male
more resembles the female, as the broad ash-coloured edges
nearly conceal the black ; the white on the wings, however,
remains.

The colour of the female is different ; the upper feathering
is dull and dirty ash, the under parts brown tinged with
rust : the cheeks shaded with brown ; the under tail-coverts
pale rusty yellow. The larger wing coverts and quill-feathers
are edged with brownish grey ; the tail paler than in the
male ; the legs are rather brown than black.

The young, in the nest, are distinguished from those of
the preceding species by their darker plumage, being reddish
ash on the upper parts, the same on the under parts, but
paler ; the feathers are slightly spotted with a lighter colour,
which gives them a mottled appearance. The male is, in this
state, rather darker than the female. The moult takes place
in August.

The egg figured 60 is that of this species.

80

SYLVIAD.E.

LVSESSOHES.

DENTIROSTBES. SYLVIADjE.

PLATE LXI.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER.

Salicaria locustella.

The small family of aquatic warblers in which the present
species is comprised, has only three representatives in our coun¬
try. These birds, which have been separated by Temminck
from the sylvan warblers, under the title of “ riverain,” and for
whom Selby has proposed the generic name of Salicaria, are
in form, habits, manners, and song, very dissimilar from
those that precede and follow them, and consequently form
a distinct and remarkable little group. In their habits they
are strictly aquatic : the present species resides chiefly among
bogs, marshes, and ponds, while the two that follow are
mostly found on the margin of rivers, among reeds and osiers.
In their song these birds are far less gifted than most other
families of the warblers ; and are later in their time of arrival
than any other of our British small birds.

The Grasshopper W arbler, rendered partially rare by its
local distribution and retired habits, appears not to have been
much known to our earlier British writers on ornithology.
It is not included, we believe, in the first editions of Bewick ;
and Montagu speaks of himself as the first author who has
noticed its nest. It is said, however, to have been described
and known in more remote times, and afterwards to have
been disregarded.

A

PI . 6l

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER.

81

This species is found in Sweden and Denmark, in the
south of Russia and Siberia, in many parts of Fj-ance and
Italy, and also in Germany, Holland, and some parts of
Switzerland. It is only to be met with in low, swampy, and
wet situations ; and, as far as our experience goes, it appears
to prefer standing to running water, as it does not, that
we are aware of, frequent river-sides, but confines itself en¬
tirely to the vicinity of bogs, morasses, and similar situations
of a wet and springy nature. We have found it on Ditton
Marsh in Surrey, in a boggy enclosure overrun with long,
coarse grass ; also in the unenclosed part of Claremont,
near the black pond, we have heard its cry. On one occasion
we sought for it during a considerable time in the vicinity
of this spot, which is eminently calculated to suit the peculiar
habits of the species. It was on a very hot day, in the
middle of summer, that we were walking among the fir-covered
hills of this beautiful district, and enjoying the fresh and
fragrant perfumes shed by the pine, the larch, and the red fir,
that chance led us to the edge of one of the bogs, that are
there interspersed among the hills. While considering in
what direction we could best cross this morass, for it was
of the black and quaking sort, which affords no safe footing
even in summer, we suddenly heard the singular note of this
little warblei’, proceeding, as it appeared, from a small birch
tree, so thin in foliage, and so near to us, that its concealment
in such a place undetected could be hardly possible. We
examined the tree with the utmost minuteness, and were
satisfied that the bird did not escape : but could perceive
nothing. We next traversed the bog across and across in
pursuit of the note, which appeared to come sometimes from
one side, and sometimes from the other. We dissected and
dispersed tufts of grass, which seemed to conceal the little
ventriloquist, but in vain. Still the note rung upon our ears
at intervals, sometimes appearing near, and sometimes dis-

SYLVIAB.E.

82

tant, and with so short a space of time intervening between
its cessation and recommencement that it was not possible
for the little singer to have changed its place. We have no
doubt, from our knowledge of the habits of the bird, that
the seeming change of place was delusive, and that the little
creature had remained in the same spot during our whole
search. It is, therefore, only by accident that it can be seen,
the most patient pursuit being generally fruitless. This species
is also known to remain so close in its covert that it is very
difficult to start it.

It may be observed, that we frequently describe with
minuteness the local features of a spot in which we have
found any rare bird, because it may serve as an example of the
sort of country in which such birds delight, and in which they
are most usually found. These local descriptions of the coun¬
try, therefore, and the sight or capture of individual specimens,
we insert, not for the perusal of persons to whom natural
history is an accustomed study, but for the use and encou¬
ragement of those who, being unacquainted with the pursuit,
desire to know the easiest means of acquiring the power of
making their own observations ; since ornithology, one of the
most interesting of country pursuits, would, we believe, be
more extensively studied, we mean in the great book of
nature, if the means of pursuing it with success were more
generally understood. To this end it is necessary to know'
in what kind of situations certain birds are to be found,
since few, comparatively speaking, are found without being
sought for. This knowledge is the more especially neces¬
sary in the pursuit of local birds, of wdiich this is one in an
eminent degree, because they may be sought for with a
probability of success in one limited district, limited by
its peculiar natural features, and toiled after in all the sur¬
rounding neighbourhood, wdiich may happen to be destitute
of those peculiarities, with equal certainty of failure.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER,

83

When a sight of it can be procured, which is very rarely the
case, this little bird may be known by its slender form, and
by its long and cuneiform tail. It occasionally may be seen,
for a moment, on the lower branches of a tree or shrub in
a close thicket, but soon again conceals itself. When on
the ground, it runs very fast, and with much grace, in the
manner of the meadow pipit ; it also climbs up and descends
with great agility the reeds and sedges among which it
dwells, in the manner of the rest of its tribe.

The note of the Grasshopper Warbler is very remarkable,
and exactly resembles the noise made by the mole cricket,
or the music of the large green grasshopper. This singular
note may be sometimes heard to continue for two or three
minutes without cessation, and may be distinguished at a
considerable distance. Morning, noon, and night may this
sound be heard, at intervals, during the early part of sum¬
mer, but more especially at night. Later in the season,
its song is chiefly confined to the hours of darkness ; and
this is probably the period when the young nestlings require
the attention of the parent, at which time most singing birds
are silent.

This little bird has been seen to creep out of its hiding-
place, in a close and matted thorn, and running to the
extremity of a naked branch, deliver its singular song, and
then hastily retreat, by the same branch, into its dark re¬
cess. The female conceals herself still more assiduously
than the male, so that a specimen of that sex can very
seldom be obtained.

It is said that the only means of procuring a nest and
eggs of this species is to listen to the nocturnal cry of the
male during the month of June, as it is at that time most
likely to be uttered in the vicinity of the nest. We have
never been fortunate enough to obtain one of these rare
little specimens, and can, therefore, only speak of and

84

SYLVIAD.E.

describe it as it has been represented to us. We the more
lament this circumstance, as "we sliould like to know, by
personal observation, the colour of the eggs, which have been
variously represented. Montagu, the first English author
who describes the eggs, speaks of having found them of a
spotless white. On the other hand, the egg figured by us
in our quarto work on British Birds, and again in the present
octavo edition, is deep flesh-colour, freckled minutely with
red, grey, and pale brown, giving it altogether a reddish
cast. For an opportunity of figuring this rare egg, we are
indebted to Mr. Yarrell, whose authority on this subject
can no more be disputed than that of Montagu. It there¬
fore appears that this egg is subject to variations in colour
almost as great as are found to exist among the eggs of the
meadow pipit. W e are, therefore, not surprised to learn
that others have found these eggs exactly resembling, in
colour and markings, those of the reed warbler (fig. 63).

The nest of this species is invariably placed in the thickest
part of a thorn, or furze bush, &c., where tall grasses have
matted and concealed the roots and lower branches ; it is
always found to be suspended in the manner of the reed
and sedge warblers’ nest, and placed very near, although
never upon, the ground. In form, the nest is deep, and
somewhat pointed below : it is nearly three inches in depth
within, and the rim, or binding at the top, is contracted,
which is also the case with the nests of its congeners. It
is composed of dry leaves and bents, intermixed with spider
cots, and its inner lining consists of the very finest grasses.

The young birds, when fully fledged, resemble very nearly
the adult ; and between the male and female there exists
no marked difference.

The Grasshopper Warbler is universally believed to have
no song, unless its ringing sibilant note can be so consider¬
ed ; its title of “Warbler” must, therefore, be under-

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER.

85

stood as appertaining rather to the class than to the indi¬
vidual.

The food of this species consists of gnats, flies, maggots,
small grasshoppers, and water-beetles, besides all the non¬
descript insects that are to be found among the stems and
roots of reeds and other water-plants.

The entire length of the Grasshopper Warbler is five
inches and a half. The wing measures, from the carpus
to the tip, two inches and a quarter ; the tail extends about
an inch and a half beyond the closed wings. The side
feathers of the tail are from six to seven lines shorter than
the middle ones. The beak is four lines and a half from
the forehead to the tip, and the tarsus measures eight and
a half lines. The tail-feathers are very soft and broad. The
first quill-feather of the wing is very short, the second and
third are equal, and the longest in the wing. The beak is
thin and delicate, and much compressed from the middle
to the tip : the upper mandible is slightly notched ; it is
flesh-colour at the base, with the upper ridge and point of
the lower mandible dark horn. The tongue and corners of
the mouth are reddish yellow. The iris is pale sienna yellow.
The tarsi are covered with three soft frontal plates ; the claws
are thin and narrow. The legs are, in spring, flesh-colour,
in autumn yellowish : the claws the same, with dusky tips.

In colour, the upper parts of this bird are cinereous olive.
The chin, throat, breast, and belly, are white, tinged with
rust yellow ; the sides of the breast, the flanks and vent,
are yellowish-olive ; the feathers upon the two latter parts
are streaked along the shaft with a dusky line, which forms
a constant and distinguishing character of the species. The
quills are dusky, edged with olive grey, and have a rusty
tinge towards the roots. The shafts of the quill-feathers
on the under surface are white and glossy.

The egg marked 61 is that of the Grasshopper Warbler.

86

SYLVIAD.E.

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIADJE.

PLATE LXIL

SEDGE WARBLER.

Salicaria phragmitis.

In consequence of its aquatic habits, this bird is of local
distribution, and is found only in the neighbourhood of water,
where rushes, and osiers, or other water-plants abound. The
localities in which we have constantly found it in the greatest
abundance, are the small islands that occur in the Thames
between the opposite shores of Surrey and Middlesex, and
which are, for the most part, appropriated to the cultivation
of osiers, on account of their being under water several times
in the year. These little islets, as well as various spots upon
the banks of the river, are throughout the summer visited
in great numbers by these lively little birds, which are
continually to be heard in still and warm weather, uttering
their peculiar and chattering song. This song, which is
the first indication of their arrival, is seldom heard before
the last week in April, these birds being, as before-mentioned,
late in their spring migration. In May, we have found
their nests in great abundance in the osier grounds above-
mentioned, in patches of reeds, and among rank herbage
in moist and marshy places. They may be discovered with
tolerable facility, as little care is taken to conceal them,
and the incessant babbling of the parent bird also tends
to the discovery of the nest. During its stay in this country,

SEDGE WARBLEK

87

which is from the end of April to September, or October,
this noisy little bird may be heard at most hours of the
day, and very frequently in the night, if the weather is warm ;
but even the cheerful voice of this incessant chatterer is
silent if the same spot is visited on a cold day, when the
wind is blustering. Nevertheless, we doubt whether in more
sheltered situations it is so easily silenced.

The Sedge Warbler is by no means shy, but may often
be seen flitting among the branches of the willows, osiers,
and reeds, it dwells iq. It is restless and active, constantly
employed in the search for food, which it appears to And
among their stems and branches. It is not, like the pre¬
ceding species, impatient of being observed ; on the contrary,
we have frequently approached so close to it, when seated
upon its eggs, as to touch it before it attempted its escape.
When thus forced from its nest, it flies but a few yards,
and making a little circuit, instantly returns ; and although
chased many times from its nest, it perseveringly returns
to the spot.

The song of the Sedge Warbler is, in some of its parts,
sweet and pleasing, but it is almost constantly intermixed
with a rough chattering note that is very unmusical : this
constantly repeated note has gained for these little birds
the name of chats, by which they are always distinguished
by the little cow-herd boys, whose occupation confines them
to the extended plains before-mentioned, that border the
Thames along some part of its course.

We have invariably found the nest of this species sus¬
pended ; and usually from six inches to a foot from the
ground. The plants among which we have most frequently
taken it have been either reeds or nettles, to whose upright
stems the nest is attached by means of the grasses, of which
it is chiefly composed, being carried round their stalks.
Three, four, or more reeds are in this manner made to serve

88

SVLVIAD.E.

as upright supporters ; and when cut down, tlie reeds may
be easily slipped out of the sides of the nest, without in
the least injuring the structure. We have also found these
nests in white-thorn bushes, and in the black-thorn, or sloe,
which grows in abundance on some of the open plains in
this district, always about the same elevation from the
ground. The materials of which they are composed are
various. One of our specimens is chiefly constructed of
bents, rye grass, and green moss on the outside ; and inter¬
nally of roots, and the down of the willow, or the willow
herb, with swans'’-down, and one or two feathers ; lined
with long horse-hairs. Another specimen is composed, on
the outside, of tufts of dead grass, with the root attached ;
the inside is formed of roots and the flowering tops of reeds ;
with the down of the hare or rabbit, and abundance of horse¬
hairs.

The nests of this bird are well built and compact, and
generally have a good deal of warm lining interwoven in
their substance ; the sides of the nest are often an inch and
a half in thickness, and the cup measures two inches across
the top, and rather more in depth. The depth and sub¬
stantial thickness are highly necessary for the security of
the little brood, as the slight supporters of the nest often
yield to the force of the wind. In this small space of two
inches in diameter, are reared six, and sometimes seven,
nestlings. When the young birds leave the nest, they flutter
about among their native reeds, and receive from the parent
birds their minute insect food. Whether the nest is placed
among reeds or in a low bush, it is alwa3^s suspended; that
is, the bottom of the nest never rests upon the branches
beneath. We cannot agree with those authors who assert
that this species chooses, in preference, for its nesting place
spots inaccessible through the muddy nature of the soil ;
since we have found their nests, without number, on the

SEDGE WARBLER.

89

osier islands before mentioned, and on the flat, extended
grass plains beside the Thames, the range at Shepperton
in particular, which places are dry and firm, and never
flooded during the summer half of the year.

The eggs of the Sedge Warbler are pale stone-colour,
freckled over minutely with spots of a rather darker shade ;
sometimes we have found them nearly plain stone-colour, at
other times marbled with pale ash-green, approaching in
appearance to those of the reed warbler. We have more
than once found as many as seven eggs in the nest of this
species. In some nests the eggs are rather long, as figured
in the plate ; in others nearly round, and these are usually
the plainest in colour. In all specimens dark hair-like
streaks may be observed towards the larger end.

The Sedge Warbler is found on the reedy banks of rivers
and lakes in most parts of England and Scotland, W ales,
and Ireland. On the continent of Europe it is also of
very wide distribution, occurring, in similar situations, from
the most southern parts, as far north as the arctic circle.

The Sedge Warbler measures less than five inches in
entire length. The wing, from the carpus to the tip, is
two inches and a half ; the tail extends three quarters of an
inch beyond the closed wings, and the outer tail-feathers
are three and a half lines shorter than the middle ones.
The beak measures five lines in length.

The male and female are so much alike in appearance
that one description will suffice for both. From the base
of the upper mandible a pale yellow streak passes over the
eye, beneath which is a dark line, passing through the eye
to the ear ; the cheeks are brown, intermixed with yellowish
white. The throat is white, tinged with rufous yellow on
the sides ; the breast and belly are dirty white ; the upper
part of the breast and flanks tinged with rufous yellow : the
rest of the under parts pale brownish yellow. The feathers

90

SYLVIAD/E.

on the forehead and crown are dusky, and form a sort of
cap ; the nape is olive ; the tippet the same colour, but the
centres of the feathers are darker, forming spots. The lower
part of the back is rufous ; the upper coverts of the tail
rufous-brown ; the quills and tail-feathers clove-brown, edged
with olive.

The egg No. 62 belongs to the Sedge Warbler.

t

PL 65

REED WARBLER.

91

IN^SESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIADM.

PLATE LXIII.

REED WARBLER.

Salicaria arundinacea.

This beautiful little bird, which is considered much more
rare and local than the sedge warbler, occurs in tolerable abun¬
dance on the Middlesex and Surrey borders of the Thames,
and the intervening islets. It is easily distinguished from
the preceding species by its upper plumage, which is of a plain
brown, unvaried by spots : it is also rather larger in size,
besides having many other less apparent distinctions.

Of all our summer birds, the Reed Warbler is the latest
in its arrival, seldom appearing before the second week in
May. It frequents spots similar to those inhabited by the
sedge-bird, namely, the borders of rivers and ponds. On the
Thames we have very frequently seen it and heard its song,
and also taken its nests in various places. The song of this bird
is far superior to that of the sedge warbler ; it is often heard in
the day, but more frequently at night, at which time we have
often listened to it for a few minutes under the impression
that we heard a nightingale of inferior quality. This decep¬
tion, however, does not last long, for although the bird com¬
mences his song with many of the stanzas of the nightingale,
he presently relapses into variations of his own, of the same
character as the chattering notes of his congener the sedge

92

SYLVIADE.

warbler. Neither is his voice in its better portions so clear
and flute-like as the nightingale’s.

The nests of the Reed Warbler have frequently come
under our observation, and we have taken many of them.
These we have always found in low willows or osiers growing
in the water, sometimes in the bed of the river, sometimes
near the shore, but always so surrounded by water as to
be rarely reached by the hand without the assistance of a
boat. The nests we have taken have all been suspended
among the forked branches of the shrub, not resting upon
the junction of the shoots, like the nests of most other birds,
but elevated above the part from which the upright supporters
spring. The nest has a singular appearance, being generally
composed of very thin thread-like materials ; and when the
branch- has been some time cut down, and the leaves have
fallen off, the whole, to use a very homely comparison, has
the appearance of a stocking in the process of knitting,
hanging among its many pins. We have never found speci¬
mens of the nest of this bird suspended among reeds, but
cannot deny that such situations are sometimes chosen. The
eggs of this bird, represented in our plate (fig. 63) are round¬
ish in form, and usually of the colour there indicated ; but
are sometimes to be found paler and of smaller size : we have
never found more than three or four in a nest.

The materials composing the nest are long, fine grasses,
delicate fibrous roots, the flowering tops of reeds, and the
long, red, clinging stalks that we believe to be the remains
of green moss. The outer portion of the nest is triangular
or quadrangular, according to the number of stems upon
which it hangs ; but the inside is finished in a round form,
and neatly lined with fine grass. Spider-webs and swan’s-
down are often intermixed. The nest, when complete, is
nearly three inches deep within, and five or six without.

The young birds of this species are hatched in July; on

REED WARBLER.

93

tlie S-ith of which month we have in our note-book tlie fol¬
lowing memorandum : among the pollard willows beside the
Abbey river we heard some birds making a croaking noise,
which sounded much like the alarm-note of the nightingale :
after watching a little while, we observed several small birds
flitting about, and found them to be young Reed- warblers
that could just fly, and were receiving food from their parents.
Their note resembled, ikurrrrrr ! ikurrrrrr ! uttered croak-
ingly. The young birds, which we could distinguish by their
shorter tails, looked the yellowest ; the old birds were nearly
white beneath, and had a bluish cast upon the chin and
throat.

The abbey river above mentioned is a small stream that
runs through Chertsey in Surrey, and joins the Thames near
the spot where the ancient abbey of that name stood. We
mention the spot as being a singular locality for a bird usually
considered shy ; the place where the young birds were seen,
and where doubtless they had been hatched, was not a stone’s
throw from the main street of the town, with which the little
river runs parallel at that part.

The Reed Warbler is not uncommon in this country in
the eastern and southern counties, but is rarely found in the
midland, and has not been met with further north than
Derbyshire. It is also very local even in these parts.

According to Temminck, this species is very abundant in
reedy spots in Holland, France, and Germany, but rare in
more eastern countries. It retires early from Europe.

The entire length of this bird is five inches and a half.
The wing, from the carpus to the tip, is two inches and a
half ; and the tail extends nearly an inch and a half beyond
the wings when closed ; the two middle feathers of the tail
are the longest, and are rather pointed. The beak is slender
and long, measuring five lines from the forehead, and nine
lines from the gape, to the tip ; it is brown on the upper

VOL. II.

H

94-

SYLVIAD.E.

mandible, and yellowisli flesh-colour on the lower ; the gape
is furnished with flne bristles. The eye is small, but bril¬
liant, and of a pale orange colour. The legs and feet are
silvery-grey, the soles yellowish.

The whole upper plumage of the Reed Warbler is greyish-
olive, without any darker spots : the quill and tail-feathers
are dusky, bordered with olive-brown. A slightly defined
dusky line extends before and behind the eye, and a pale
yellowish-brown streak passes above it. The under parts of
the plumage are, in old birds, silvery-white upon the chin
and belly, and yellowish-rufous upon the chest, flanks, and
sides of the neck. The feathers above the knee are rufous.

The egg of the Reed Warbler is figured 63.

63.

NIGHTINGALE.

95

nvsussoBFS.

DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIADM,

PLATE LXIV.

NIGHTINGALE.

Sylvia luscinia.

It is well known that, in some parts of England, Nightin¬
gales are very abundant, while in others, apparently offering
the same natural advantages, they are never found. They
are most numerous on the eastern coast, and extend as far as
the southern border of Durham, which appears to be their
boundary in that direction. They are found in some of the
midland and southern counties of England, as far west as the
third degree of longitude, as observed by Mr. Blyth ; but in
the western half of the kingdom, including the greater part
of Devonshire, Cornwall, Wales, and Lancashire, they are
never met with ; neither have they been ever found in Scot¬
land or Ireland.

Respecting the partial distribution of these delightful
singers, many conjectures have been hazarded, but none either
very conclusive or satisfactory. “ Nightingales,” observes
Gilbert White, “ not only never reach Northumberland and
Scotland, but also, as I have been always told, Devonshire
and Cornwall. In these last two counties, we cannot attri¬
bute the failure of them to the want of warmth ; the defect
in the west is rather a presumptive argument that these birds
come over to us from the continent at the narrowest passage,
and do not stroll so far westward.” How is it, then, we

96

SYLVIAD.E.

would ask, tliat the blackcap and other warblers, possessing
probably not greater powers of flight, should extend over
many parts of the sister kingdoms in which the Nightingale
is unknown ?

Neither is it reasonable to suppose that Wales, Ireland,
and the few excluded counties of England, are altogether-
destitute of a particular insect food necessary to their sub¬
sistence, unless we take into consideration the nature of the
soil, which operates unquestionably upon the distribution of
the insect race, through the medium of those vegetable pro¬
ductions upon which the larvae of many of that race are sup¬
ported. That the soil of Wales and of Cornwall differs very
essentially from that of other parts of the island, is apparent
to the most casual observer, in its stoney and rocky surface,
no less than in its internal treasures of metals and ores.

jSIontagu, who had in captivity a little brood of this spe¬
cies, observed that the parent Nightingales fed them chiefly
with green caterpillars, but does not mention of what descrip¬
tion these were supposed to be. This is to be regretted, as
it might have afforded a clue to this curious investigation,
since we know that many insects, in the caterpillar state,
confine themselves entirely to one or two species of plant
for food, and reject all others.

The conjecture mentioned by the same naturalist, that
Nightingales may possibly not be found except where cow¬
slips grow, agrees with the theory here hazarded, that the
soil may have great influence on the partial distribution of
birds. With regard to cowslips, which indicate a particular-
soil, moist and loamy, we can add our own testimony in
corroboration of this opinion, that the places which we have
constantly known to be most frequented by Nightingales are
well supplied with this fragrant plant.

But, if the excluded parts of the kingdom are not supplied
with the food proper for this species, it may be asked, upon

NIGHTINGALE,

97

what, then, did the redbreasts feed their foster nestlings, in an
experiment made by Sir John Sinclair to introduce Nightin¬
gales into Scotland ? These Nightingales, we are told, were
safely reared, flew, and remained in the same vicinity until
the usual period of their migration ; but the following season
none returned.

The line of demarcation being so strongly drawn that
limits the western range of this species, and which, appa¬
rently, they never pass over, we are induced to hazard another
supposition on the subject, which we leave to future obser¬
vation to confirm or confute. As these warblers are invari¬
ably found in low, sheltered, and wooded localities, it is
possible that their nature does not incline them to pass over
hilly and mountainous boundaries, such as they must sur¬
mount in attempting to reach Scotland, or the excluded parts
of England and Wales; and, consequently, that their dis¬
persion over the eastern half of England only, may rather
be due to its generally level character, than to any of the
supposed causes before mentioned.

In support of this conjecture we may observe, that the
countries on the Continent which are most frequented by
the Nightingale, are also, in their general aspect, level.
These are, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, and Siberia,
northward; and, to the south, France, parts of Italy and
Spain, of Germany and Austria. We have frequently re¬
marked that Nightingales avoid isolated hills, even of small
elevation, though covered by wood and pasture, orchards
and gardens, such as might tempt the sojourn of any sylvan
warbler ; at the same time that, in the low surrounding
country, they have been plentiful.

The style of country most resorted to by this species,
according to our observation, consists of cultivated plains, in¬
terspersed with liedgerows and plantations, and hills of gentle
ascent and very moderate elevation. The presence of rivers

98

SYLVIAD.E.

or running streams does not appear necessary, to them, as
we know them to subsist in great numbers in situations at
some distance from running water ; therefore, their seeming
partiality for river-side localities may be in consequence of
their usually low and sheltered position.

The continent of Europe possesses another and larger
species of Nightingale, the Sylvia philomela of Bechstein,
which, from its habit of residing in hilly as well as in level
countries, might be more worthy the attention of experi¬
mentalists who wish to establish these delightful warblers
beyond the limits of our native Nightingale ; but, as the
position of this species is still further removed towards the
east, being an inhabitant of Austria, Germany, and Poland,
it is doubtful whether individuals reared in this country would
return.

The arrival of this species in England takes place usually in
the middle of April ; and sometimes, on the coast of Suffolk,
as early as the 7th of that month. The presence of the
males, whose arrival precedes that of the females by some
days, is immediately announced by their incomparable song,
which, when first heard in the still moist evenings of this
hopeful season, adds another charm to the opening promises of
spring. The song of this delightful warbler has been allowed,
in all ages, and we believe in all countries where it is known,
to be unrivaled. Buffon, after enumerating many of the
finest singing birds of Europe, including the blackcap, the
lark, the canary, and the blackbird, affirms that the song
of each of these, when taken in its whole extent, is only one
couplet of that of the Nightingale.

The power of the song of this species is no less surprising
than its elegance and variety ; it has been ascertained that its
voice may be heard, when the air is calm, to fill a space of a
mile in diameter. It has been also noticed by Mr. Hunter,
that the muscles of the larynx are, in this species, stronger
than in any other of its size.

NIGHTINGALE.

99

The Nightingale, in its natural state, is by no means a shy
bird ; it may be frequently noticed by day by those who are
acquainted with its plain brown plumage ; and in the silence
of night, wdien its presence is more easily detected by its
song, it is found in many sylvan localities to be an inha¬
bitant of our gardens, wherever tall trees invite its residence.
When caged, the Nightingale is capable of strong attach¬
ment towards those who feed and attend upon it, and may
be kept for a considerable time. Bechstein mentions one
that lived in confinement twenty-five years. Individuals
caught soon after their arrival in this country may frequently
be preserved without difficulty, but when taken later in the
season, after the females have appeared, they pine and die.
Young birds may be brought up from the nest with a reason¬
able degree of care, and these, having never known the charms
of liberty, are not conscious of its loss. The young nestlings
very early begin to sing ; we were lately assured by a person
who is fond of ornithology, and who has, with much success,
frequently brought up nestlings of this species, that a young
Nightingale, taken by him from the nest, began to sing on
the seventh day from its capture. It was, he conjectured
from the forwardness of its nestling plumage, about nine
days old when taken, so that on the sixteenth day of its
existence this little Avarbler, taught by native instinct, com¬
menced its musical career. We cannot but consider this
as an instance of precocious talent, since few birds begin
to sing while in their nestling feathers.

Gilbert White’s opinion, that Nightingales enter England
at the narrowest passage, namely, at the straits of Dover,
appears very probable, as they are heard much earlier on the
continent of Europe than they are here. In Holland, they
arrive sometimes as early as the middle of March, at w'hich
time we have frequently heard them, in plantations on the
borders of the Amstel, in the immediate vicinity of Amster-

100

SYLVIAD.E.

dam. These plantations are situated in a warm and shel¬
tered spot, being on low lands that have been recovered from
the sea.

In captivity, the Nightingale sings in the day as well as
in the night, in Avinter and in summer, except during the
period of moulting. We have observed that birds, even in
the house, are always silent and subdued during a thunder¬
storm. A Nightingale that Ave had in Holland, where severe
thunderstorms are very prevalent in hot Aveather, ahvays fore¬
warned us of the moment Avhen the severity of the storm Avas
beginning to give Avay, by breaking forth into his sweet song
before any other sign of its abatement was apparent to us.

The Nightingale is of a solitary disposition as far as re¬
gards his oAvm species, and very tenacious of the undisturbed
possession of his OAvn domain ; Avhich may indeed be consi¬
dered his by former tenure or hereditary right, as this species
is belicA^ed invariably to return, year after year, to pass the
summer in the place of its birth. When re-established in
their summer haunt, these birds Avander but little, but may
be heard nightly to pour forth, each from his respective tree,
their plaintive melody. This fact may be observed by any
one at all conversant Avith these birds, as there exists great
variation in the qualities of their song, some being much
finer singers than others.

The Nightingale constructs its nest either upon the ground
or against a stem at the elevation of two or three feet above
it ; the locality chosen is usually a plantation, grove, or
thick overhanging hedge in a sheltered spot, Avhere the air
is fresh and cool and the ground moist. The nest is gene¬
rally composed chiefly of fallen leaA^es. A specimen in our
possession is formed of dead leaves of the oak, which are
curiously and beautifully arranged. Each leaf is placed
nearly upright, Avith its stalk toAvards the base of the nest,
and a number of leaA'es being employed, and placed Avith

1

NIGHTINGALE.

101

e^reat regularity, the Avliole has much the form and size
of a half expanded water-lily. The oak leaves thus curi¬
ously arranged are interwoven with strips of bark, and
portions of dry rushes, so as to form a very solid and thick
nest ; and the inside is lined with long fibres of bark, roots,
and a few hairs. Such a structure, although in strict har¬
mony with the habits of the Nightingale, must, we think,
have more of poetry than comfort in it, as not a single
substance of warmth or softness enters into its composition.
This nest contained four eggs when taken, but five are fre¬
quently found ; they are in colour oil-green, as represented
in the plate, and roundish in form. Some vary from this
description, and are much longer in form, paler in the
ground-colour, and mottled with olive- brown. The young
birds soon leave the nest, and flutter among the underwood
and hedge-rows. If their place of concealment is at this
period discovered, the old birds are most clamorous in their
expressions of anxiety, and frequently repeat sharply the
word tack !

The attachment of this species to its young, and its grief
at their loss, have been noticed by many writers, ancient and
modern. Our friend, the Rev. E. .1. Moor, sends us, on
this subject, a memorandum from his journal : “ One even¬
ing, while I was at college,” he says, “ happening to drink
tea with the late Rev. J. Lambert, Fellow of Trinity, he told
me the following fact illustrative of Virgil’s extreme accu¬
racy in describing natural objects. We had been speaking
of those well-known lovely lines in the fourth Georgic on
the Nightingale’s lamentation for the loss of her young, when
Mr. Lambert told me that riding once through one of the
toll-gates near Cambridge, he observed the keeper of the
gate and his wife (who were aged persons) apparently much
dejected. Upon inquiring into the cause of their uneasiness,
the man assured Mr. Lambert that he and his wife had both

102

SYLVIA D.E.

been made very unhappy by a Nightingale whicli had built
in their garden, and had the day before been robbed of its
young. This loss she had been deploring in such a melan¬
choly strain all the night, as not only to deprive him and
his wife of sleep, but also to leave them in the morning
full of soiTOW ; from which they had evidently not recovered
Avhen INIr. Lambert saw them.”

The food of this species consists of insects of different
kinds, chiefly terrestrial. On this account it is often seen
upon the ground, although its habits are decidedly arboreal,
as it mostly resides and sings among lofty trees. When
upon the ground, this bird stands very erect, as if conscious
of the high rank he holds among his fellows. His flight
from bush to bush is very light, on account of the breadth
of his wings and tail. The Nightingale retires from this
country in August or September, and leaves the most
southern parts of Europe in October, to winter, as it is
believed, in Africa and Syria.

The entire length of this species is six inches and a
quarter. The beak measures five and a half lines from the
tip to the forehead, and nine lines to the gape. The wing
is three inches and a quarter long, and the tail extends an
inch and a quarter beyond it when closed : the third quill-
feather is the longest. The tarsi measure an inch in length,
and are undivided in the shaft ; they are brownish flesh-
colour. The beak is, at the base of the under mandible,
flesh-colour, the rest brown ; the comers of the mouth are
yellow. The upper plumage, including the head, back,
and Avings, is cinnamon-brown ; the tail and upper coverts
rust-coloured ; the under parts are greyish-white, the sides
of the breast and flanks tinged with reddish-brown ; the
iris is greyish-brown. There is little perceptible difference
in plumage between the sexes, except that the throat of
the male is Avhiter than that of the female.

In our plate the egg of the Nightingale is figured 64.

BLACKCAP.

103

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIADJE.

PLATE LXV.

BLACKCAP.

CURRUCA ATRICAPILLA.

The Blackcap, tlie next in rank, as a singing-bird, after
the nightingale, is occasionally seen on the eastern coast
of England as early as the 28th of March ; but in late
seasons its arrival is sometimes not noticed before the
middle of April. This species is more widely diffused
throughout these kingdoms than the nightingale, being found
in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. It is also extensively
spread over the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa,
occurring in many distant parts, as we are informed by
various observers. Japan, Java, the Cape of Good Hope,
Norway, Lapland, and Sweden, and many intermediate
parts, have furnished specimens of this species, in no way
differing from our own.

The Blackcap is more hardy than many of our summer
visitors. Instances have been recorded of its being shot
in this country in winter; which must, however, be consi¬
dered as of rare occurrence : but it does not, like our most
tender migratory birds, entirely leave Europe in the autumn,
since Temminck observes that some of this species pass
the winter in the vicinity of Messina.

This warbler inhabits hilly as well as level country, and
is even found in Switzerland. It frequents woods, planta-

104

SYLA'IAD.E.

lions, and thickets, especially where the ground is well
covered with brushwood and tangled herbage. Many of
them also inhabit gardens and orchards, where, in the spring,
they are eminently serviceable in destroying innumerable
insects, such as small caterpillars, which they pick from
among the buds, blossoms, and leaves of fruit trees ; also
the chrysalides of various insects which are secreted about
their rugged bark. These services are apt to be forgotten
when, as the summer fruits ripen, the Blackcap is found
among the foremost in partaking of them, and that not
sparingly. Its partiality is particularly evinced for cherries,
especially the most juicy sorts, of vdiich it is so fond that
it can hardly be driven from them, but returns again and
again to a favourite tree. This species feeds also upon
the berries of the ivy and the elder, upon blackberries,
dewberries, etc. It seldom takes insects upon the wing,
but occasionally descends to the ground in search of worms
and crawling things.

We have occasionally seen, in gardens and hedgerows,
the young nestlings beginning to fly, and attended assidu¬
ously by the parents. When they find themselves followed
or observed, the old birds utter sharply, like the nightingale,
the warning note, tack ! The young birds, in their nest¬
ling plumage, resemble the female, but when the autumnal
moult commences, the beautiful black cap of the male begins
to be assumed. This makes its appearance first about the
base of the beak, which part becomes interspersed with
minute black feathers, extending gradually over the whole
head : and we have observed, in specimens which we have
brought up from the nest, that the song of the male com¬
mences simultaneously with the first appearance of the
black hood. The beak and legs of this species are, in
young specimens, of a beautiful clear grey colour, and of
most delicate texture, resembling the finest kid leather:

BLACKCAP.

105

in adult birds the beak is tinged and tipped with dusky-
horn.

The Blackcap is described by Gilbert White as “a
delicate songster.” “ Its note,” he says, “ possesses a wild
sweetness, and when this bird sits calmly and engages in
song in earnest, he pours forth very sweet but inward melody,
and expresses great variety of soft and gentle modulations,
superior, perhaps, to those of any of our warblers, the night¬
ingale excepted.” Its wild warbling song bears, in some
of its upper notes, a resemblance to that of the redbreast,
for which it is often no doubt mistaken ; but it has less
of shrillness and more of melodious depth and fulness.
It far surpasses that bird in its lower tones, which are as
round and full as the finest notes of the song thrush, and
of surprising power when the small size of the delicate
creature is considered. This bird is by no means shy in
its habits, nor does it seem solicitous to conceal itself
when singing, but openly sits on the branch of a fruit-tree
in an orchard or cottage garden, and appears not at all
disturbed by persons passing, but calmly looks around, pour¬
ing' forth from time to time its melodious song.

The nest of the Blackcap is usually placed among bram¬
bles, nettles, or low underwood : it is a thin structure,
composed of dry grass and stalks, and lined with a few
hairs. Towards the end of April eggs of this species may
be found ; they vary in number from four to six, and
although the colour and other particulars differ much in
different specimens, they usually present a marked character
by which they may be readily distinguished from all but
the eggs of the garden warbler, to which they often bear
a great resemblance. The ground colour is usually reddish-
white, marbled with olive-brown and ash-grey, over which
are strewed a few round dusky spots, each surrounded by

106

sylviadj:.

a reddisli-brown border, resembling the mark of a burn,
Avhich charaeter is seldom wantin".

O

The manners of this species are light and lively, and
■when singing it swells its throat and elevates its crest.
Its feet and legs are small and short, and well adapted for
perching.

The male bird of this species is distinguished by its black
hood, or cap, which, commencing near the base of the bill,
covers the crown of the head. The nape and sides of the
neck are fine bluish-grey ; the tliroat and under parts are
silvery or greyish-white ; the breast and flanks are tinged with
peach blossom. The back and lesser coverts of the wings are
grey, tinged with green, the rest of the wings and tail dusky
brown. All the colours of the plumage are beautifully soft¬
ened one into the other, and the tail appears slightly forked
when closed. The female is readily known from the adult
male by her hood, which is of a reddish-brown colour ; the
rest of her plumage much resembles that of the male, but
the feathers of the under parts are tinged with rufous-yellow.
The beak is rather short, the nostrils are naked, and of
a long oval form. The iris is reddish-brown.

The entire length of the Blackcap is nearly five inches
and three quarters : the wing measures two inches and
three quarters, and the tail extends an inch and a half
beyond it when closed. The beak is five lines from the
tip to the forehead, and the tarsi measure nine lines. The
first quill-feather is short, the third the longest in the wing.

The egg of the Blackcap is figured 65.

4

GARDEN WARBLER.

107

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYL VIA DM.

PLATE LXVI.

GARDEN WARBLER.

CuRRUcA HORTENSis. {Bcchstein.)

The Garden Warbler is another of that interesting class
of small birds that visit our island in summer, and delight ns
with their rich, melodious, and varied songs. This species,
as its name implies, is one that frequents the neighbourhood
of man, and adds its sweet note to the summer music of
om’ gardens. It is not so commonly known as many of
our migratory birds, as it is shy and retired in its habits,
and being very plain in its plumage, is not readily distin¬
guished when on the wing from other warblers of its size.

The song of the Garden Warbler is considered to be very
little inferior to that of the nightingale ; it possesses sweetness,
variety, and depth of tone ; and many of its flute-like notes
resemble those of the blackbird. Its song is well sustained,
and frequently continued during the greater part of the day.

As a species, the Garden Warbler is tolerably well
diffused, being found in most parts of England, and, accord¬
ing to Selby, oceurring throughout the greater part of Scot¬
land, in wooded districts on the margin of rivers and lakes.
It is not, however, numerous, or its habits keep it much
concealed. As this bird is rather late in its arrival, which
varies from the middle of April to the middle of May, it
probably produces but one brood in the season. It builds

108

SYL\'IAD.E.

usually in low bushes or underwood, and forms a slight
nest loosely construeted, and composed of dry grass stalks,
strips of the fibrous stems of hemlock or nettles, and rarely
a little green moss. Very little care is taken to conceal
the nest. The eggs, usually five in number, are mottled
with ash-grey and brown upon a reddish-white ground.
Some differ from this description, and resemble very nearly
those of the blackcap.

The food of this species is the same as that of the pre¬
ceding, to which may be added the caterpillars of the cabbage
butterfly, which, although rejected by most other birds, are
by these eagerly devoured.

The Garden Warbler is, according to Temminck, abun¬
dant in Holland, and common in all the southern and tem¬
perate countries of Europe. It commences its migration
southward as early as August. This bird is the Fauvette
of Montagu, and the Greater Pettichaps of Selby.

The egg of this species is figured 66 in the plate.

65.

66.

0

WHITETHROAT.

109

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYL VIA DJE .

PLATE LXVII,

WHITETHROAT.

Sylvia cinerea.

The Whitethroat is not among the earliest of our
spring migrants, appearing seldom before the middle or end of
April. It is considered one of the most common, and most
generally diffused of summer birds, an opinion we are not
disposed to contradict, as we have usually met with the nests
of this species more frequently than those of any other summer
bird. There is scarcely a green lane in the country, or thick
hedge, or patch of furze, where these birds may not be found,
and detected by their lively song, f’rom such a spot they
may be often seen to rise singing, and performing some
curious evolution at the same time, as if to express their
enjoyment of existence : they also sing while on the wing from
bush to bush.

The song of the Whitethroat has been much maligned, and
said to be so interspersed with harsh notes as to be beneath
attention ; nevertheless, this species has made some friends
among those whose opportunities of observation were the
greatest. Sweet says of its song that, in his opinion, “ it
cannot be surpassed, as it is both lively, sweet, and loud, and
consists of a great variety of notes.” White, on the other-
hand, says, “ The note of the Whitethroat, which is con¬
tinually repeated, and often attended with odd gesticulations

VOL. II.

I

110

SYLVIA D.E.

on the Tving, is harsh and displeasing.” “ These birds,” he
continues, “ seem of a pugnacious disposition ; for they sing
Avith an erected crest, and attitudes of rivalry and defiance ;
are shy, and wild in breeding time, avoiding neighbourhoods,
and haunting lonely lanes and commons.”

These various opinions, however, with regard to the singing
powers of this species may be easily reconciled. The louder
notes are sometimes harsh, and as these only are occasionally
heard, they have procured for this little warbler a character
which it does not, on nearer acquaintance, deserve.

We are among the admirers of these lively birds, having
frequently heard them sing most agreeably while sporting up
and down above the tops of the trees, rising and falling with
a peculiar action of the wings and body ; then starting off to
another tree, and presently returning, again and again, singing
all the while their loud and clear song. The song is different
from that of most other birds, and in our opinion forms a
most pleasing variety ; it is delivered in sounds clear and dis¬
tinct, and set in rather a low key.

The Whitethroat, although shy in its personal habits, is
the least careful of all small birds in concealing its nest, which
it often places in situations so exposed to observation, as to
excite wonder at its apparent want of precautionary instinct.
The situations chosen are various: the elevation usually about
two feet from the ground. We have sometimes found the
nest in a close furze bush; but more frequently among bram¬
bles or nettles beside a ditch or bank.

We have noticed a singular feat, acted by this little bird,
Avhich was probably intended to draw our attention from its
nest. Passing a high bank in a lane, we observed a White-
throat rolling doAvn its sandy side, and throwing itself into
strange positions, as if wounded ; it struggled and shuffled
along, keeping itself just beyond our reach, and finally flew
away. Suspecting the design of this manoeuvre, we sought

WHITETHROAT.

Ill

about the bushes that grew beside the bank, and presently, at
the distance of a few yards, found the nest. Does this action,
practised by many birds besides the Whitethroat, proceed
from the agony of its alarm, or is it an alFectionate device,
practised to draw off the attention of the intruder from its ill-
concealed treasure ?

During the spring, the Whitethroat is found generally dis¬
persed throughout the country : we have found them in low
and flat localities, and also on the tops of hills of two or three
hundred feet in elevation. According to Gilbert White, they
are found on the very tops of the Sussex downs ; where
there are bushes and covert. In summer, as soon as the
young can fly, a change of residence takes place, and the
nestlings are conducted by their parents to orchards and
gardens, where, the fruit being then ripening, they commit
much mischief, and are generally held, among gardeners, in
great disrepute.

This bird is found throughout Europe, the most northern
parts excepted : it penetrates as far as Sweden and Russia,
beyond the range of any other of the warblers except the
blackcap. In the middle, and southern parts of Europe, it is
the most common of all the Sylvias. It is plentiful in
Holland.

The note of this species, when alarmed, is shurr ; and the
call of the male in spring is hwed ! hwed !

The food of the Whitethroat consists of winged insects, and
small beetles with their larvae, and caterpillars ; also many
kinds of fruit.

The nest of the Whitethroat, although usually denomi¬
nated a slight structure, is one of remarkable interest and
beauty, and presents to the observing naturalist matter for
much admiration. It is indeed in appearance a slight struc¬
ture, but its component parts are so skilfully and beautifully
interwoven, that we know not any nest more strong, firm.

112

SYLVIA D.E,

and elastic. Tlie last named quality, elasticity, is due to
the horse-hairs with which it is usually very thickly lined,
so as, in some specimens, nearly to conceal the stalks or
grasses of the outer work ; while in others very few hairs
are perceptible. We must conclude that in the nests of
this species, as well as others, many varieties of construction
occur, since we can neither find that specimens in our posses¬
sion are bound together outside Avith spider wmbs to keep
them together, nor the horse hair glued with saliva, as some
credible authors have affirmed. All the specimens Ave have
seen are formed exteriorly of the dry, rough stalks of a species
of galium, sufficiently clinging in its own nature to answer
the purpose required ; and we think no necromancy is
necessary, beyond the instinctiA’'e skill of the little architect,
to keep the long hairs in their places. Let us not, however,
be understood to disparage the qualities of spider cots as
a building material of the most efficient kind ; since some
nests, such as those wonderful structures of the long-tailed
titmouse, appear to owe a great deal of their consistency
to this production. We have noticed, in all the nests of
this species that have come under our observation, that
the hairs used for lining have been of a dark colour, mostly
black ; but Ave do not know Avhether this is a constant
character.

The eggs of the Whitethroat vary greatly in size and
colour ; but in the character of their markings they are
tolerably constant. The dimensions vary from nine and a
half lines, the size represented in the plate, to eight lines.
The most usual colour of the ground is pale green, mottled
with greenish brown, and freckled over the larger end with
dull ash-coloured spots. In some nests of this species very
different eggs are found : we have some specimens nearly
grass green, freckled Avith large dark-green spots ; others in
Avhich the ground colour is olive brown, freckled in a similar

WHITETHROAT.

irs

manner with dark brown and black ; other specimens are
nearly as pale as the egg of the Dartford warbler, figured
below. In our plate we have represented one of the most
usual appearance.

The entire length of this species is five inches nine lines.
The wing measures two inches eight lines from the carpus to
the tip ; its first quill-feather is remarkably short, not ex¬
ceeding four lines in length, the second is only half a line
shorter than the third and fourth, which are equal, and the
longest in the wing. The tail extends beyond the tips of the
closed wings one inch and a half ; its feathers are graduated,
and slightly decreasing in length from the middle towards
the sides, the outermost being four lines shorter than the
central ones. The beak measures four lines from the fore¬
head to the tip, and the gape is very slightly fringed with
hairs. The tarsi measure eleven lines.

The plumage of this beautiful little bird, although not re¬
markable for the brilliancy of its colours, presents an elegant
assemblage of tints the most delicate and soft, shading into
one another like the tints upon mother-of-pearl. The silvery
white of the throat loses itself in the lovely peach-blossom
of the breast, which again gives place to white upon the
belly ; the flanks and under coverts of the tail are white,
tinged with pale orange-brown. The upper plumage is, upon
the head, nape, and ear-coverts slate colour, tinged with
brown ; the back is olivaceous brown ; the upper coverts of
the tail inclining more to olive. The quill-feathers of the
wings are brown, with lighter edges ; the tail the same, ex¬
cept the outer feather, which is of a dull white ; the coverts
of the wings and tertials are brown, deeply bordered with
rust. The beak is dark bluish horn ; the base of the under
mandible yellow, the corners of the gape yellowish-green.
The iris is olive-yellow, lightest against the pupil ; the eye-

114

SYLVIAD.E.

lids are naked, and olive-brown in colour. The legs are pale
rust-colour in the tarsus, the feet are olive-brown.

The female very nearly resembles the male, but her colours
are more obscured by brown, and the rose-colour upon the
breast is less apparent. It must be observed that this colour
fades very soon after death, so that in preserved specimens
nothing of it is to be seen.

Figure 67 in the egg-plate is that of the Whitethroat.

LESSER WHITETHROAT.

115

JNSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIADJE.

PLATE LXVIII.

LESSER WHITETHROAT.

Sylvia curruca.

This lively and elegant little bird arrives in England
among the earliest of our summer warblers, about the same
time as the blackcap. Its presence is soon betrayed by its
very peculiar call-note, which it utters continually, and with
which it always terminates its pleasing song. This is a
shaking double note many times repeated, and most resem¬
bles rucca ! rucca ! from which probably has arisen its trivial
name. As soon as it has reached its destination, this little
bird may be seen perched upon the top of a tree, a leafless
one being generally chosen, singing its merry and noisy song,
which, beginning with a few soft warbling notes, uttered in a
very hurried manner, is usually concluded as before described.
The little vocalist all the while is seen frisking and hopping
up and down, and snatching from time to time some insect
from the naked branches. Its terminating song is uttered
apparently with the full extent of its lungs, its little bill wide
open, and the feathers of the head and neck set up so erect
that the head appears nearly the size of the whole body.
Sometimes the song is commenced with a long shrill note,
resembling see-ee ! concluding always with the before-men¬
tioned termination. Whether at rest or in motion the song
continues the same at intervals, and is not even interrupted

116

SYLVIADiE.

by its flight from the top of one tree to another, but is con¬
tinued when on the wing.

In the time of Gilbert White this bird was but little
known, but is mentioned by him in the following terms, in
one of his letters ; “ A rare, and I think a new little bird
frequents my garden, which I have great reason to think is
the pettichaps ; it is common in some parts of the kingdom,
and I have received formerly several dead specimens from
Gibraltar. This bird much resembles the whitethroat, but
has a more white, or rather silvery breast and belly ; it is
restless and active, like the willow wrens, and hops from
bough to bough, examining every part for food ; it also runs
up the stems of the crown imperials, and putting its head
into the bells of those flowers, sips the liquor which stands in
the nectarium of each petal. Sometimes it feeds on the
ground like the hedge-sparrow, by hopping about on the
grass-plots and mown walks.'”

The Lesser Whitethroat is far from being so common as
the larger species ; on the contrary, it is considered as rather
a scarce bird in many parts of England. In various localities,
however, in Surrey, w^e have found it in tolerable plenty, espe¬
cially in the most wooded parts ; and its nests and eggs have
frequently been brought to us. It is in this county in far
greater plenty than the blackcap. In gardens and orchards,
which are usually much frequented by this species, they may
often be seen flitting among the fruit-trees in search of in¬
sects, especially the green aphides that infest them in the
spring ; and they also approach close to dwellings, with the
greatest seeming familiarity, to seek for similar insects among
roses, and other flowering shrubs. This species frequents
gardens more than the preceding, which rather delights in
lonely hedges and commons, scattered with furze.

While listening to the notes of birds, the truth of an
observation made by Rennie has often come in full force to

LESSER WHITETHROAT.

1J7

our mind. “ It is, perhaps, too much,” he remarks, “ to
say that we have borrowed all our music from birds ; but
some of it is evidently a plagiarism.” We are disposed to
go further than the admission of Rennie on this subject,
since in birds we find the only natural musical language.
In music they express all their joys, and hopes, and fears.
The melody uttered by some of them is enchanting : the
variety without end. What can surpass the stately recita¬
tive of the blackbird ? whose song, when heard in distant
woods, sounds like the warning voice of one of the old pro¬
phets, preaching repentance to a heedless world. Or who can
sing a hymn of praise equal to that poured forth by every lark
that rises on the wing.

The vocabulary of some birds is also of considerable extent,
especially during the early months of the year, and may by
an attentive observer be heard to increase in extent as the
season advances. They continue to acquire new notes as far
as the month of May, at which time all birds are in the
height of their song. From this time their vocal powers
diminish, even before they cease to sing. Some appear to
leave off abruptly, without the apparent causes usually
assigned. At the present time of writing, the 80th of May,
Ave have scarcely heard, for some days, the song of a night¬
ingale which has its nest in our garden, although, contrary
to the usual belief that this bird continues in full song
during the whole time that the hen sits, the nest has
not been completed a week, and two days ago only the fifth
egg was laid. We now hear the male bird very rarely,
scarcely one stanza in a day, and in the night he is wholly
silent. Instead of the incessant song of nightingales, black¬
caps, larger and lesser wdiitethroats, thrushes, etc., which
have alternately been heard, for the last month, during every
hoiir of the day and night, nothing is now to be heard but
the occasional chant of the blackbird, the monotonous song

118

SYLVIAD,E.

of the yellow bunting, the clinking of the titmouse, or the
unceasing inquiries of the sparrow upon the house-top, re¬
specting the 'welfare of his mate, who sits upon her eggs
beneath the roof. Even the extraordinary and indescribable
notes of the starling are discontinued.

The nest of the Lesser Whitethroat is, like that of the
preceding species, slight in appearance, and built of dry
stalky materials. The one now before us is composed of
a few stems of galium, interwoven with many dead and half
decomposed leaves of a long form, probably willow or osier.
Several cots of spiders are employed in the outer work, and
the inside is thickly lined with fine roots. The eggs are
longer in form than those of the larger whitethroat, although
smaller in size and differently marked. They are usually
white in the ground colour, and the shell is so thin that
when fresh the yolk is plainly to be seen, as is the case
with many other white eggs. A few large freckles of pale
brown are dispersed over the egg, and many dark brown
spots of different sizes, and a few hair-like streaks, are scat¬
tered unequally over the surface : in some specimens these
form a zone round the larger end. Dull ash-coloured spots
are also visible in the zone, which Ave observe generally to
prevail in all specimens of the Whitethroat, Lesser White-
throat, and Dartford Warbler. These eggs occasionally
vary in the ground-colour, some inclining to reddish, some
to greenish-white.

The nest of this species is usually placed in a low bush,
or in a bramble overhanging a tangled hedge, and rather
better concealed than that of the larger species. The little
bird practises similar curious devices when its nest is ap¬
proached as before described.

The Lesser Whitethroat is found scattered over many of
the counties of England and Scotland, in the most Avooded
parts ; it also visits the other countries of Europe as far

LESSER WHITETHROAT.

119

as Russia: it is abundant in Asia, and is supposed to pass
the winter in the warmest parts of that quarter of the globe,
and in Africa.

The plumage of this species, taken from an adult male
specimen shot the middle of May, is as follows : — head and
ear-coverts very dark slate-colour, tinged slightly with brown.
Eyelids and corners of the gape grey, the feathered orbits
surrounding the eyelids a little browner than the rest of
the head. The wings and tail are rich dark brown ; the
outer feather of the tail whitish. The back, scapulars, and
upper tail-coverts are slate-colour, tinged with brown. The
whole under parts, including the chin and under tail-coverts,
beautiful greyish- white. Under coverts of the w'ing greyish-
white. A very slight tinge of yellowish-brown upon the
flanks and sides of the breast, beginning below the white
of the throat. The beak is dark-grey, almost black, except
the base of the under mandible, which is lead-colour. The
legs and toes are very dark lead. The iris pale greyish-
brown. In young birds, the eyelids and corners of the
mouth are yellow.

The entire length of this species is five and a half inches.
The wing measures, from the carpus to the tip, two inches
and a half ; the first quill-feather nine lines, the second is
one line shorter than the third and fourth, which are equal,
and the longest in the wing. The tail, as represented in
the plate, has the middle and outer feathers rather shorter
than the intermediate ones. The legs are small and delicate.

In preserved specimens, it is sometimes difficult to dis¬
tinguish readily the difference between this and the preceding
species, when the colours of the legs and beak are faded ;
but in all states a constant distinction may be found in the
first quill-feather, which, in the larger whitethroat, is scarcely
half the length of the same feather in the present species.

The egg of the Lesser Whitethroat is figured 68 in the plate.

DARTFORD R’^ARBLER.

121

IXSESSORES.

DEiyTIROSTRES. SYL VIA DJE.

PLATE LXIX,

DARTFORD WARBLER.

Sylvia Provincialis.

The Dartford Warbler, wliicli was formerly considered
a very rare and local species in this country, has, of late
years, been frequently found, perhaps because more diligently
sought for, in many parts of England. It appears to con¬
fine itself entirely to heaths and commons, where it can have
plenty of cover. In such a locality it was first observed in
England, namely, on Bexley Heath near Dartford ; and it
has subsequently been found to inhabit similar localities in
various other parts of the south of England. We are told
by continental authors, of the frequent occurrence of this
species in Spain, Italy, and the south of France ; but it is
asserted not to be met with either in Holland, Germany, or
more northern parts. The accounts of its being apparently
confined to the southern coast of Europe, appear somewhat
difficult to reconcile with the fact of its having been found
in England at all seasons of the year, winter as well as
summer, and we think that this and many other parts of
its natural history require further elucidation. Possibly it
does not migrate at all, but may remain stationary in all the
above-mentioned countries throughout the year, as some of
our little wrens do here.

The great shyness of this species, renders it difficult to

122

SYLVIAD.E.

become acquainted witli its habits, and with its mode of
subsistence during the cold months of winter, when winged
insects, which appear to be its food in summer, cannot be ob¬
tained. In Surrey we have seen this little bird in several
places, such as Wimbledon Common, Burwood Common, the
vicinity of St. George’s Hill and other parts, generally in the
act of flying for shelter, Avhich they do on the least alarm.
They are sometimes seen perched upon the upper sprays of the
furze bushes, or rising up a few feet above them, singing
their little song. On the approach of a human form, they
flit from branch to branch, until hidden within the interior
of their thorny shelter, whence it is very difficult again to dis¬
lodge them, as they creep from one bush to another ; and
their dark plumage also tends still further to conceal them.

The nest of this species is usually found among the largest
and tallest furze bushes, where they are closely matted
Avith brambles, and difficult of access, and can seldom be
discovered, except when the birds are building, or in the act
of carrying in food to their young. It resembles much in
structure that of the whitethroat, and is constructed of similar
materials. One in our possession is composed externally of
stems of one of the galium family, lined with the long stiff
stalks of some umbelliferous plant, and a few long hairs.
This nest is so transparent, that on holding it up to the
light, the form of the eggs may be seen through it, yet so
Avell put together, that neither a straw nor hair can be taken
from within, unless Avith a sort of violence. Some, which
ai’e built with broader grass and a little avooI, are more sub¬
stantial in appearance, and less pervious to the eye.

The eggs of the Hartford Warbler, which measure about
nine lines in length, bear much resemblance to the paler
specimens of those of the whitethroat. The characteristic
zone of ash-grey spots, round the larger end, is very faintly
defined upon a stone coloured ground ; and the Avhole sur¬
face is equally mottled over Avith olive broAvn.

DARTFORD WARBLER.

123

Tlie CRtire length of this species is five inches and a
quarter. The wings, from the carpus to the tip, measure
two inches; the middle feathers of the tail are two inches and a
half in length, and extend two inches beyond the closed wings;
the outer feathers are nearly half an inch shorter than those in
the centre. The beak is of moderate thickness, and measures
six lines from the point to the gape. The tarsi measure
eight lines.

The whole upper plumage of the adult male is very dark
slate grey, darkest on the head and ear-coverts ; the hair¬
like feathers of the back are strongly tinged with olive-
brown, The wings are blackish-brown, narrowly edged
with rusty-olive ; the tertials and greater coverts more broadly
edged with the same. The throat, neck, breast, and flanks,
are deep ferruginous, the middle of the belly white. The
tail feathers are dusky, edged with hoary ash, the two cen¬
tral ones almost entirely of that colour. The beak is black,
the base of the under mandible whitish. The iris and eye¬
lids are yellow; the legs yellow.

The female and young differ but little, except in being
rather paler.

The egg of the Dartford Warbler is figured 69.

68.

CHIFF-CHAFF.

125

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIADJE.

PLATE LXX.

CHIFF-CHAFF.

Sylvia hippolais. (Montagu.)

The Chiff-chaff is an inhabitant of the woods, and ap¬
pears to prefer those whose trees are large and lofty ; es¬
pecially where oak, birch, and aspen trees grow on a sur¬
face covered with fern, grass, and other herbage. In very
close woods, as of pine and other firs, where the ground is
unclothed by vegetation on account of the dark and heavy
foliage of the trees above, it is seldom found. In the spring
this bird does not wander far from the spot it has chosen ;
but its singular note may frequently be heard in the same
place, and usually appears to proceed from far above our
heads. The little singer, on account of its elevation and of
its small size, can seldom be seen, as the branches even of a
leafless tree are sufficient to conceal it. It is a lively
bird and continually in motion. Its note, although it can¬
not be called a song, is not altogether unmusical. It con¬
sists sometimes of only two notes, which have been likened
to chiff-chaff ! whence it has derived its name : but we have
heard its cry frequently extended to three notes, each differ¬
ing from the other, as if it were chif-chef-chaf ! ringing among
the tops of the trees like the chime of little bells.

Montagu speaks of this little bird as the hardiest and most
generally diffused of all our summer visitors, and to be found

VOL. ir.

K

12G

SYLVIAD.E.

in all parts of the kingdom where woods or hedges afford it
shelter and food. Its note he says is heard long after the
hay-bird (or willow-wren of this work) is silent. We have,
hoAvever, never found it plejitiful even in places apparently
the most adapted to it ; we know a few to frequent our own
immediate neighbourhood, and but few. With us it is far
less common than the willow- wren, if we may judge by
the infrequency of its note, and the scarcity of its nest and
eq'O's.

This species appears to avoid low and damp situations,
and to prefer hilly country to that vdiich is level. It is
mostly found to choose a situation for its nest upon the
slope of a hill, among fern, low bushes, and long grass : some¬
times it is placed beneath the shelter of the recumbent strag¬
gling branches of a bramble, or behind a clod of turf. The
shelter of tall trees is mostly sought ; but we have found
its nest upon the top of a hill, at the distance of many yards
from any tree, and hidden only by low bushes of furze.
The building-materials of their nests vary according to the
locality chosen, and are usually in part constructed of the
materials they are placed among, whether fern, moss, or dry
grasses ; for which reason the difficulty of finding them is
much increased.

We usually observe in authors the nest of the Chiff-chaff
and willow-wren described as domed, but we think a more
distinctive w'ord might be used to express their form, namely
hooded. A domed nest implies a structure entirely covered
with a cupola or hollow ceiling ; which is indeed the case
with the nests of the common wren and the lonff-tailed tit-

o

mouse, and Avithin which the eggs are completely concealed :
but as those of the Chiff-chaff and Avillow-wren are only
partially covered with a ceiling, we think the term hooded
more significant of their form. A nest of the Chiff-chaff,
now before us, is most perfectly in accordance with this term ;

CHIFF-CHAFF.

127

being a splierical structure, covered half the way over with
materials similar to the rest of the nest, the other half of the
upper hemisphere being entirely open, exposing perfectly to
view the eggs within. This description, we believe, will
generally accord with the nests of the two last-named species;
although varieties doubtless occur, modified by circumstances.

The Chitf-chafF is considered one of the earliest of our
smnmer birds of passage in its vernal migration, and among
the last to leave this country in autumn. We are not, how¬
ever, aware whether this species breeds sooner than others,
in conformity with its early appearance ; but we do not
remember to have met with its eggs before the middle of
May. In the middle of June we have found the young birds
partly fledged. On the third of that month, passing once
along a road shaded by lofty oaks, we heard some small birds
making a great deal of noise, as if much disturbed by our
presence. On stopping to watch, we saw a little pair of this
species flitting among the lower branches of the trees, and
alighting upon the palings of the adjoining park. One of our
young companions climbed the steep bank at the side of the
road to search for their nest, which it was evident must con¬
tain young ones, as one of the old birds had food in its bill.
The old birds continued to fly over our heads, uttering con¬
tinually their alarm-cry, hoo-id! hoo-id! and occasionally
fluttering just above the person of the climber, as if they
would by their presence protect their little ones from harm.
The anxiety of the parents, which increased as their treasure
was approached, caused the nest to be presently discovered.
It was near the top of the bank, about eight feet above the
road, and bedded in its mossy side among long grass and
brambles : only the mouth of it was visible, within which lay
seven young birds, partly feathered. The plumage of these
little nestlings was greenish brown above, and dull rufous
white beneath. After a few days we passed by the spot

128

SYLVIAD.E.

again, and all were flown. The nest, which w^e now secured,
was built of dry grasses and green moss, and lined wdth a few
long hairs and a great profusion of feathers. It w'as hooded
over wdth the same materials ; the hood as fully lined with
feathers as the cradle part itself.

The eggs of this species, -which are very small and de¬
licate, are somewhat short, pointed at the smaller end, and
very round at the larger: they have a very thin shell, with
but little polish : the ground colour is white, with very fine
spots and dots of a blackish red or purple brown, chiefly
disposed at the larger end, and sometimes confluent in the
zone ; they vary very little either in shape or colour. In¬
cubation lasts thirteen days, during which time the male
relieves the female occasionally. The young ones are fed
■wdth little caterpillars, flies and other insects : they leave the
nest early. If the young birds are taken out of the nest and
placed upon the ground, the old birds, we are told, will hover
over them, and even come and sit beside them. We have
witnessed the same thing in fly-catchei-s, when we have taken
young birds that could not fly, out of the nest and placed
them upon the grass ; the old birds have come down to
them and fluttered over them, as if trying to tempt their
young to follow them. Indeed, the solicitude of birds for
their young is truly beautiful and interesting : we have seen
the nightingale, one of the most anxious of birds, pursue and
buffet persons who approached too near the bushes in which
her young ones w^ere concealed ; in the same manner as
swallows and martins will fly close to, peck at, and buffet a
tame owl which happens to show itself abroad by daylight.

In this species the tints of the plumage vary very greatly
at different seasons. In autumn, after the annual moult, their
plumage is as follows : — The head, back and scapulars, and
the upper coverts of the tail are brownish olive : the quills
and tail-feathers are blackish grey with olive green borders ;

CHIFF-CHAFF.

1!?9

the two outer quills and the side feathers of the tail have
whitish edges. The edge of the wing and the under coverts
of the same are pale yellow. From the nostril extends over
the eye a pale yellowish brown or ochre streak ; the space
between the bill and eye is grey : the cheeks pale brown.
The throat, breast, and flanks are pale brownish yellow ; the
yellow, on close examination, is, on the breast, chiefly dis¬
posed in longitudinal streaks : the belly is dirty white. In
this plumage the bird has much the appearance of a willow-
wren, but the colours are less clean, the olive above being
more tinged with brown, and the under plumage of the
body not so clearly white and yellow ; the former being
sullied with dull grey, and the latter colour tinged with ochre.
The iris in this species is dusky, the legs dark brown, and
the soles of the feet yellowish. The beak is brown, the
base of the under mandible flesh-colour, the gape yellow.

In the plumage of the spring and summer, when these
little birds are seen building their nests, or attending their
young, their colours are so different that they can hardly
be detected as the same birds. At these seasons, the
green and yellow tints have entirely disappeared : the upper
plumage has a uniform tint of mouse-coloured brown, and
the under parts appear only dull greyish white, slightly
tinged upon the breast with ochre. The male and female are
almost entirely alike ; the latter a little smaller in size. The
young birds resemble their parents in their autumnal dress.

The entire length of the Chiff-chaff is four inches and a
half. The bill measures from the forehead nearly four lines.
The wing is two inches and a quarter from the carpus to the
tip, and the tail extends about nine lines beyond the wings
when closed ; the third and fourth quill feathers of the wing
are the longest. The tarsi measure about three quarters of
an inch. The beak is thin, the tip of the upper mandible
slightly notched, the nostrils oval, the gape beset with bristles.

130

SYLVIAD,®.

The ClhfF-chafF is considered by deny ns to be the Sj/lviu
rnfa of Teinininch, a species widely dispersed over the Conti¬
nent of Europe, being found in all the southern countries of
that quarter of the globe, in some of which, namely Italy
and Greece, it remains all the year. Some few are believed
to remain in England occasionally through the winter, as
they have been met with in the southern counties at all sea¬
sons.

The egg of the Chiff-chaff is figured 70,

Pl.yi

WOOD WHEN.

131

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIADM.

PLATE LXXI.

WOOD WREN.

Sylvia sibilatrix. (Montagu.)

The W ood W ben is found in many parts of England
and Wales, but appears not more common than the chiff-
chaff ; and is far less frequently met with than its congener
the willow- wren. Its partiality for country of a peculiar
character, renders it local. Like the preceding species, this
is also a frequenter of wood and forest scenes, and delights
in hilly districts clothed with ancient trees ; particularly, as
observed by White, where beeches most abound : it is also
frequently met with in fir, oak, and birch woods. This is
a lively and restless bird, but lonely and unsociable in its
habits ; and in the spring, soon after its arrival here, it is
more often heard than seen, its singular note betraying its
presence when the deep foliage, in which it usually resides,
conceals it at that season from the observer. But in summer,
when constructing its nest or feeding its young, a sight of
it is more easily obtained. The usual station of the male
is among the upper branches of a lofty tree, from which may
be heard its sibilous note at frequent intervals ; this note
is heard from time to time throughout the summer, and as
in the time of incubation the male does not wander far from
the spot where his mate is sitting, the vicinity of the nest
may be sometimes ascertained by this means. The nest

132

SYLVIAD.E.

itself is, however, so well concealed, that except when the birds
are passing in and out with materials for building, or with
food for their nestlings, the exact spot occupied by it is not
detected without great difficulty. The situation chosen for
the nest is usually the slope of a hill, shaded by lofty trees,
where the rays of the sun are not too much excluded to ad¬
mit the undergrowth of rich grass and moss, and other si¬
milar productions : the twisted roots of a tree sometimes
afford in their cavities a convenient shelter, if covered with
moss or other low herbage ; or a moist and mossy bank.

All naturalists agree in describing the nest as so placed
and bedded among the surrounding herbage : the nest itself
is also spoken of as hooded over the top, like those of the
willow-wren and chiff-chaff, and commonly composed of
materials similar to those among which it is placed ; such
as dead grasses, moss, or fern. The nest is skilfully but
not very thickly woven, hooded over, but sufficiently open
for the eggs to be seen ; the interior is very neatly rounded
and deep, lined with the seed panicles of grass, horse-hair,
wool, or feathers. The eggs are from five to seven in num¬
ber, short in form, being almost round ; the shell delicate
and but little polished. The ground-colour is white, thickly
seeded over with dark violet or purple spots, intermixed
with pale grey dots, which form a zone round the larger end.
In their colouring these eggs differ entirely from those of
the two nearly allied species, the S. hijjjjolais, and S. trochi-
lus, but agree with them usually in the roundness of their form.

The hooded form ascribed to these nests does not, how¬
ever, appear to be an invariable character, as we have lately
met with a nest which we cannot doubt to belong to this
species, in which no appearance of a hood could be traced.
This nest was taken on St. Anne’s-hill in Surrey. It was
situated upon the brow of that beautiful hill, near a grove of
tall trees. No doubt can exist of its belonging to the present

M^OOD WREN.

133

species, as the bird was sitting on her nest when observed,
and the distribution and colours of her plumage were dis¬
tinctly seen. The nest was placed among the dead branches
of an old bramble, shaded above by living stems of the same,
in a wild hedge-bank overgrown by honeysuckles and other
luxuriant vegetation. The nest, which was very near the
surface of the bank, although not resting upon it, was com¬
posed of tufts of dry grass with their roots and seed tops,
and lined very thickly with fine fibrous roots and a few
horse-hairs ; it contained four eggs. These are greenish
white in the ground-colour, sprinkled over the whole sur¬
face with pale reddish brown ; a zone of dark grey spots
encircles the larger end, and many darker spots of rich brown
are mingled with it, and scattered over the rest of the egg.
These eggs are of a roundish form, and measure in length
seven and a half lines. They weighed when taken about
twenty-two grains each. The nest much resembles in size
and appearance that of a whitethroat, being but little thicker
in substance ; but differs in being so thickly lined with roots,
and in not being constructed with galium, which almost
invariably enters into the composition of the whitethroat’s
nest. It is singular, that at the time this specimen was
taken, another exactly similar in materials and appearance
was observed placed on the ground beneath the same bush,
a nest of the previous year.

The call-note of this species, which greatly resembles that
of the chilf-chafF, is a soft piping note ; hoo-id or hwid !
hwid! The same note is also used as the alarm-cry when
the nest is approached. This alarm-note, or cry of solicitude,
appears common to several birds : it is similar to that used
by the nightingale as soon as her young are hatched ; but
with this last species it is always accompanied with their
croaking note, kurrrr ! Besides this note, the Wood Wren
has another peculiarly its own, which distinguishes it from

134

SYLVIAD.E.

otlier birds ; this is a note repeated several times, beginning
slovly, and rapidly increasing in utterance : it may be tolera¬
bly expressed by the monosyllable dwee ! or djwee ! It seems
not 'svithout considerable exertion that these sounds are
uttered, as the little singer may be seen with its throat in¬
flated, the feathers of the head and neck erect, the wings
drooping, and the little beak directed upwards and vibrating
Avith the jarring expression of the notes thus disengaged.
These sounds are uttered with much strength, and may be
heard at a eonsiderable distance. This species has been
called “the Shaking Bird of the Woods,” a title expressive
at once of the chief part of its history.

The Wood Wren is in size considerably larger than its
two little congeners. On a cursory view, it much resembles
the Avillow wren in its autumnal plumage, but the relative
proportions of its wings and tail distinguish it in all states.

The Avhole upper plumage of this bird is clear olive green,
including the head, nape, back, scapulars and upper coverts of
the tail. The Avings and tail are broAvn, each feather bordered
Avith a narrow yelloAv edge : the tertials are more broadly
bordered with yellowish white ; and the green colour of the
back extends over the sides of the breast. A brown line
extends before and behind the eye, above which is a streak
of bright yelloAv ; the cheeks are yellow, tinged Avith brown
and green. The chin, breast, and flanks are bright yellow,
softening into the purest white on the loAver part of the
breast, belly, and under coverts of the tail. The beak is
pale brown, the edges and inside of the mouth ochre yelloAv.
The legs and feet are broAvn. The upper and under coverts of
the tail are very long, and cover three fourths of it. The
feathering of the whole bird is very fine and silky. In their
plumage, the male and female are exactly alike, except that,
Avhen compared together, the dark eyestreak is in the fe¬
male scarcely so Avell defined. The iris is rich broAvn, and
the orbits surrounded Avitli yelloAv feathers.

WOOD WREN.

185

The young nestlings resemble the parents, but, on account
of the loose texture of their feathers, their colours are less
distinct and perfect.

The entire length of the Wood Wren is five inches and
a quarter. The beak measures four lines and a half, the
tarsus nine lines ; the tail-feathers measure two inches, but
extend only eight lines beyond the closed wings : the tail
is slightly forked. The wing measures from the carpus to
the tip three inches ; the first feather is short, the third the
longest in the wing.

On the Continent of Europe the Wood Wren is well
known, but is not considered to be anywhere plentiful : it is
found in France, Holland, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany,
and extends as far north as the middle of Sweden. Its resi¬
dence in Europe is not so prolonged as that of many other
summer birds, as it arrives seldom before May, and departs
in August or September.

The egg of the Wood Wren is figured 71.

136

SYLVIAD.E.

JNSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIAD.E.

PLATE LXXIL

WILLOW WREN.

Sylvia trochilus. (Montagu.)

The Willow Wren is much more numerous as a
species than either the chiff-chaff or wood-wren, and, being
apparently less shy, it is frequently seen and heard. It is
also less local in its habits, and consequently more gene¬
rally diffused. It may frequently be seen among the lower
branches of the trees, on which account it comes more readily
Avithin the range of our observation. It may frequently be
seen by river sides, especially in autumn, sporting among
the osiers and Avillows that overhang their banks : these locali¬
ties it appears much to delight in, probably on account of the
plentiful supply of insect-food that is to be found near run¬
ning water. This species is not, however, confined either to
Avillows or their neighbourhood, as its sweet song may be
heard in woods, groves, undenvood, and hedgerows, on plains
or hills indifferently. The familiarity, or disregard of the
human race, to be observed in this species, is remarkable : we
have often seen it approach Avithin a few feet of us when
no attempt Avas made on our part at concealment. On such
occasions we haA^e observed it running up and doAvn the
stems and branches of the trees, as if in search of insects,
and flitting from one to another, singing the whole time its A'ery
lovely song. This little species has been termed the “ Liquid-

FI

]Z

WILLOW WREN.

137

noted Willow Wren : its voice is, in our opinion, one of the
sweetest among birds ; in fact, in the quality of its tones
it cannot be surpassed. Although of such diminutive size,
this little bird sings as loud as the redbreast, and apparently
with great ease, and without raising its feathers or swelling
its throat perceptibly. Its song consists of fourteen or fifteen
syllables, and is comprised within the compass of about five
whole notes of music. It commences with the highest and
gradually descends, repeating each note several times. Its
voice is clear, full, sweet, and flutelike ; but it appears in¬
capable of varying its song, as it is always to be heard in the
same form. To the curious in these things, the following
representation may be acceptable ; the song begins hurriedly
and ends very slowly ; it seems to express, Dididide, deai/
deay, duay duay duay, deny deay, duay, deda deda daa da !

When captured, this little species appears quite uncon¬
scious of fear : one that we surprised upon her nest, and put
in a cage, ate immediately all the insect-food that was offered
her, and appeared to take not the smallest notice of us or of
her captivity : she would not, however, recognise her nest
and eggs ; had the young been hatched, her parental feelings
would perhaps have been aroused. These little birds bear
confinement very well, and may be kept for one or two
years. They readily take to artificial food, such as bread and
milk, if tempted with a few green aphides scattered upon it,
and well repay the care bestowed upon them, as the male
sings incessantly. An ingenious method of inducing fresh-
caught birds to eat artificial food, has been communicated
to us, which appears reasonable. Great difficulty is generally
found in inducing strange birds to eat what they are unac¬
customed to, unless they can be made acquainted with it
by stratagem. For this purpose two or three living meal¬
worms must be put into a tumbler-glass, and set in a plate
or saucer : round the bottom of the glass must be strewed

13S

SYLVIAD.E.

the artificial food, bread and milk or Germa'n paste : the bird
at sight of the mealworms will approach the glass, as all
small birds are fond of those insects, and attempt to peck
at them ; in so doing it will inadvertently taste the artificial
food, and by degrees acquire a relish for it. But if a fresh-
caught bird is stubborn and refuses to eat it, as the most
intelligent kinds frequently do when taken full-grown, the
only plan to be pursued is to feed or cram it, as it is termed ;
this must be done at least once every hour, and if it be an
insect-eating bird, raw meat and chopped egg are the best
things that can be administered : at the same time the captive
must be kept in a darkened cage. This course should be
pursued for at least two days, after which the above-men¬
tioned plan may be practised with success. Insect-eating
birds should be occasionally indulged with a mealworm or
tw'o, as they are thought to keep them in health ; but, as a
constant article of food, these are not sufficiently nourishing
for captive birds.

The Willow Wren is restless and lively, and its flight from
tree to tree is wavering and irregular. Its call-note is liewid 1
and during the spring it utters a delicate chirp, which seems
to be a note of endearment to its mate. It arrives in this
country about the beginning of April and returns in Septem¬
ber ; it seldom however sings after July. This species is
met with all over Europe ; from Sweden, Finland, and Rus¬
sia, to the most southern parts. It is also common in North
America.

The food of the Willow Wren is entirely insects, such as
flies, gnats, aphides, small spiders, &c. When the weather is
cold and wet in the early spring, it may be seen on the ground
in search of insects, and in autumn occasionally eats elder¬
berries ; but neither these birds nor their two predecessors in
this work, enter gardens for the sake of their fruit. If they
ever approach near to human dwellings, which they do in re¬
tired spots, it is to pick off insects from the fruit-trees.

AVILLOW \yREN.

189

This species builds its spherical nest either on or very near
the ground, choosing a situation where the ground is well
covered with some low vegetation. It is sometimes sheltered
beneath the branches of a felled tree, or beside a clod of earth,
and is in most cases built to harmonize with the surrounding
herbage, and hooded over with the same materials, like that
of the chiff-chafF. Sometimes it is well concealed ; but we
have found specimens in which the eggs could plainly be seen
in passing. It appears as if in a sheltered spot less care was
taken to conceal them ; while in a more open situation, such
as the hollow of a cart-rut, the nest is sometimes found
almost entirely closed, like that of a field-mouse. The struc¬
ture is tolerably firm, composed of dry grass, moss, dead
fern, or leaves ; the interior round and deep, lined with
horse-hair, wool and large feathers. The feathers chosen
are usually those of the partridge, pheasant, or pigeon, and
in the vicinity of a farm-yard the feathers of domestic fowls
are frequently employed. In the latter end of April, the
eggs may be found six or seven in number : they are rather
round in form, the shell a little polished, and sprinkled all
over with rust-coloured faint marks on a cream-coloured
ground. There are supposed to be two broods iu the year,
the first of which is hatched in the beginning of May. In
many nests of the Willow Wren that we have seen, no percepti¬
ble difference in the colour or form of the eggs has been ob¬
served.

The colours of this delicate little bird are, on the upper-
parts olive brown, including the top of the head and nape,
the back, scapulars and upper coverts of the tail : the greater-
coverts of the wings and the tertials, hair brown, bordered a
little lighter : the quill feathers of the tail and wings, and
the secondary quills are brown, with the edges a little lighter.
The tail is slightly forked. The wing has the first feather
about six lines in length ; the second, three lines shorter than

140

SYLVIAD.E.

the third and fourth, Y’hich are the longest in the wing. A dusky
line passes from the base of the beak through the eye, above
which is a pale yellow streak ; the feathered orbits of the
eyes are consequently pale yellow above and below the eye,
and dark at the corners. The throat and breast are strongly
tinged wdth yellow upon a white ground, which passes into
pure white upon the belly ; the flanks are tinged with brown,
and the under tail coverts with primrose yellow. The fea¬
thered ridge is yellow : the under wing coverts and edges of
the quills beneath, silvery white ; the rest of the under surface
of the quills and tail greyish brown. The cheeks and sides
of the neck are tinged with brown. The eye is brown :
the beak pale brown edged with ochre yellow : the legs yel¬
lowish brown. In some specimens the legs are silver grey,
with the soles of the feet buff yellow. After their autumnal
moult, the green and yellow tints upon the plumage of these
birds is more perfect.

The male and female are very nearly alike : the male a
little the yellowest upon the breast.

The young birds are still more yellow after the autumnal
moult than the parents, and remain so until after their return
in the following spring, their upper parts being olive green,
their under parts pale sulphur yellow, with white bellies :
their beak and legs inclining to flesh-colour.

The entire length of the Willow Wren is five inches and a
quarter. The M'ing measures two inches and a half from the
carpus to the tip : the tail feathers measure two inches, and
extend one inch beyond the end of the closed wings. The
beak measures four lines from the forehead, and is very sharp-
pointed : the nostrils are oval. The legs measure nine lines,
and are very slender and delicate.

In these birds the adult moult in July, and the young in
August.

The egg of the Willow Wren is figured 72.

WILLOW WREN.

141

We have more than once met with a hooded nest, placed
upon the ground, and answering in every respect to those of
the Willow Wren or Chiff-chafF, but of which the eggs cannot
be referred to any known English bird. One of these nests,
a most perfect specimen, was taken by us lately on St. AnneV
hill in Surrey. It was placed in a bank by the road side,
and so entirely concealed in the exterior part by the moss
and dead grass of the bank against which it rested, that it
would probably have passed unnoticed, had not the bird
discovered it to us by flying off. On approaching the spot,
three eggs were plainly to be seen in a nest rather deep, and
hooded half the way over only. The bird as it flew off had
much the appearance of a Chiff'-chaff’ or Willow Wren, both of
which inhabit that locality, but could not be very distinctly
seen. We were obliged unwillingly to possess ourselves of
the nest without knowing more of its owner, as the place is
frequented by many persons, including cow-herd boys, who
would soon no doubt have made the nest their own. The
eggs differ in all respects from those of the three species
last described, in shape, size, and colour : and no other Bri¬
tish bird is supposed to build a hooded nest upon the ground.
The eggs are white, but with so thin a shell that the yolk
gives them an appearance of reddish flesh colour : they are
thinly sprinkled, chiefly about the larger end, with large
and distinct spots of pure rust ; and are of a long egg-shape,
measuring eight lines and a half by five lines and a quarter.
The nest is rather large, and built of extremely fine dry
grass, dead fern, and green moss : it is lined with fine roots,
a few hairs, and a very few downy black feathers.

A nest similarly constructed, and containing one egg of
the same form and appearance, has been in our possession
several years, marked “ Unknown.”

VOL. II.

L

142

SYLVIAD.E.

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIA D.E.

PLATE LXXIII.

GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN.

Sylvia auricapilla.

The elegant and lively little bird, whicli forms the subject
of the present plate, is one of the smallest of European birds ;
but although of such diminutive size, this little species usually
braves the cold of winter in this country with impunity, and
apparently with indifference. In the coldest weather, in
winters of ordinary temperature, they may frequently be seen
on the sunny side of a fir-tree, busily employed in searching
among the branches for the larvee of insects secreted in the
crevices of their bark ; and so earnest are they in the search
that they will suffer themselves to be approached, and appear
to take very little notice of being observed. They frequently
even sing at this season. On the 16th of February, 1843,
the coldest day of that spring, we heard a little individual,
of this species, singing loudly and merrily in an evergreen
shrub, as if in perfect enjoyment. The weather was so severe
at the time, that the waters of a neighbouring pond were thickly
covered with ice, and many boys were exercising themselves in
sliding upon it, and the whole country resisted the impression of
footsteps. Although thus capable of enduring the ordinary
cold of our climate, these little creatures suffer when a winter
of unusual rigour and long duration occurs : at such times
they have been found dead, in holes in banks, or hollow trees.

GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN.

143

several clustered together, as if they had in vain sought, as
their last refuge, the warmth that might be communicated
by such a device.

T 0 our own indigenous birds of this species are occasionally
added large flights, which arrive in autumn from more north¬
ern parts ; an instance of which is recorded by Selby, to have
taken place on the 24th and 25th of October, 1822 : and it
is probable that many do annually resort here for the winter,
as their numbers are frequently observed, in the north of
England, to increase suddenly and considerably.

On the occurrence of a winter of unusual severity, this
little species has been known to abandon Scotland, and the
north of England entirely : such a circumstance has been
recorded, in the memoirs of the Wernerian Society, to have
taken place early in the spring of 1833; and to so distant a
point did they appear to have continued their migration, that
not a single pair was observed in their accustomed haunts
until the following October, the usual time for the arrival
of autumnal migrants from the north. These birds are found
to reside permanently but little further north than our island ;
they are said to remain in the Orkneys, and are also found
to reside in some parts of Germany throughout the year. In
hardiness they have, however, the advantage of the redbreast,
which leaves these parts in winter.

The summer migration of the Golden-crested Wren is
extended northward, as far as the Arctic regions. They
are found in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Russia, and
from thence to the most southern parts of Europe : they
also extend eastward to the utmost bounds of Asia. They
seem to prefer northern and temperate parts, and are reared
in great numbers in the pine forests in the north of Europe.
In September and October their migration southward com¬
mences : they migrate in large flocks, as may be ascertained
by the great flight mentioned by Selby, which was traced

144

SYLVIAD.E.

through the whole extent of the coasts of North umber] and and
Durham. In their migratory flights, these little birds often
associate with the titmice, with whom they have in manners
and habits many points of resemblance. In March and
April this little species retires again towards the north for
the summer months.

The Golden-crested Wren is generally diffused over Eng¬
land, especially in fir woods and plantations ; and so strongly
is it attached to trees of the fir kind, that it is seldom to be
seen in any other ; their attachment to trees of this class ap¬
pears not only on account of their affording shelter at all sea¬
sons, which some other evergreens do equally, but the scaly
bark of these trees seems to abound with the insects most
suited to them ; they also feed upon the small seeds of some
kinds of fir, which have been found in their stomachs.

These birds are found equally in wild and in cultivated dis¬
tricts, the attraction being always fir-trees ; they fearlessly
approach houses Avhere such temptation offers, and are often
seen in winter to frequent evergreen roses, and other climbers
upon porches and trellices in search of insects. They are oc¬
casionally seen upon heaths among furze bushes.

In manners these little creatures are restless and lively,
gentle, and confiding, exhibiting no signs of fear either when
at large or caged. They are fond of society, and are often
seen in company with titmice, especially the crested, where
this abounds, whose attachment to fir woods is equally strong.
The presence of this little bird may often be detected by its
note tzit ! tzit ! and when several are together feeding and
flitting among the upper branches of a tree, the frequent
uttering of this little syllable sounds like whispering. They
have, besides, a call-note, resembling see ! or shree ! which is
very shrill, and not unlike that uttered by the redbreast.

The restlessness of this little bird is so great that it is
seldom to be seen but in motion, flitting from branch to

GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN.

145

branch, unless when it hangs beneath a fir-cone, pecking at
the seeds, or when it sits still for a minute, singing its short
and hurried song, which it always seems to utter impatiently
and out of breath. In hopping from branch to branch this
little species keeps its body in a horizontal position, with its
knees bent, but when about to deliver its song it erects itself,
and at the conclusion hurries away. “ It may occasionally be
seen,” observes a friend, “hovering, or poising itself upon the
wing in pursuit of its ephemeral prey, as the tropical hum¬
ming birds are said to flutter and attach themselves in a
pendant posture, by clinging about the blossom of some
flowering plant.” Although usually seen about the lower
branches of fir-trees, these little birds do not confine them¬
selves to such, as we once shot a Golden-crested Wren from
the top of a very lofty elm. The injury it received was
slight, and the body of the little creature so light and buoy¬
ant, that it came to the ground alive, and though somewhat
stunned by the fall from such a height, it presently recovered
itself, and was put in a cage with other birds. Here it mani¬
fested no sign of fear, and ate readily small aphides, and such
other insects as we could procure, and was so perfectly fear¬
less that it suffered its portrait to be quietly taken, and even
ate insects from our hands ; but as these little creatures are
so delicate that the least injury destroys them, it scarcely sur¬
vived its wound four and twenty hours. When taken under
more favourable circumstances, these birds may be preserved
alive for a year or two with care ; they should be placed
several together in a cage, as they dislike solitude, and pine
if left without companions.

The little Golden-crested Wren has a pleasing song, short,
and hurried, but clear and delicate. It is often heard as
early as February, sometimes earlier.

This little bird is the only one among all the British tribes
that forms a suspension nest, with the exception of its near

146

SYLVIAD.E.

relation, tlic fire-crested wren, and the golden oriole. It is
nsnally found suspended beneath the extremity of a branch of
larch, or spruce fir, chiefly the latter, to the fingers or forks
of which the nest is attached.

To commence this pendant cradle, the little architect first
attaches a few long grasses to the three or four forks she
intends for its support, weaving them securely around their
stalks, and forming with them festoons for the outline or
frame. Within this skeleton cot she then proceeds to place
moss and wool, and other light materials, interwoven with the
cots of spiders ; and it is then thickly lined with small fea¬
thers. The form of this little nest is spherical, and the open¬
ing almost invariably at the top. In its general appearance
and neatness, it much resembles the nest of the chaffinch ; it
is about four inches w'ide on the outside, and two within, and
between two and three inches in depth ; the brim is drawn
in, or narrowed a little, which, together with the depth of the
nest, affords security to the young in their otherwise perilous
situation, and the horizontal branches of the bough to which
it is attached, form concealment and shelter to the whole.
So small is this little structure, and so well concealed by its
position and the colour of the materials employed, that unless
placed in a very conspicuous spot, its chances of escaping ob¬
servation are sufficient to ensure its general safety. Yet a
danger of another character sometimes assails it, from which
neither the depth of the nest, nor the apparent security of
its position can entirely defend it ; namely, a rough and
boisterous gale of wind, which, by waving to and fro the
supporting branch has been knowm to dislodge the eggs from
their cradle.

The eggs are from six to ten in number, small and delicate,
scarcely exceeding peas in size, and measuring frequently not
more than six lines in length, and from that to seven and a
half. In surface they are mostly without polish ; the ground

GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN.

147

colour is cream, or sullied white ; some are mottled all over
with a darker shade of the same colour, and in others the
spots are confined to a zone at the larger end. The young
are fed by both parents, who are indefatigable in their task ;
they remain in the nest until they can fiy. These Wrens
breed early, and are believed to produce two broods in the
season ; the late broods are seldom so many in number as
the early.

The entire length of the Golden-crested Wren is three
inches and a half. The wing, from the carpus to the tip,
measures two inches ; the first quill-feather is less than half
the length of the second ; the second is two lines shorter than
the third, fourth, and fifth, which are ecpial, and the longest
in the wing. The bill measures three lines and a quarter
from the forehead to the tip ; the nostrils, which are oval, are
entirely covered by two stiff bristly feathers, of great beauty,
directed forward. The tarsus measures seven lines, and the
tail extends nine lines beyond the tips of the folded wings.

The plumage of this species is olive-green on the upper
parts of the body, including the sides of the head and nape,
the back, scapulars, and upper tail-coverts ; the feathers on
the low^er parts of the back are the lightest, inclining to
greenish-yellow. The quill-feathers of the tail and wings are
purplish-brown, bordered with yellow, except near the base of
the secondaries, where the omission of the yellow borders
causes a dark spot ; the larger and smaller coverts are purple
brown, bordered with yellowish-green, and each feather tipped
with a large white spot, forming two bars across the wings.
The iris is dark brown, the eyelid black ; the eyes are sur¬
rounded by a pale dusky ring, around which extends another
circle of dull white ; the ear-coverts and forehead are pale
yellowish-grey. The chin, and all the under parts are sullied
white, tinged on the flanks, and still more strongly on the
breast with rufous yellow. The legs and feet are orange-

148

SYLVIAD.E.

brown. The top of the head is ornamented with a brilliant
crest of elongated feathers of a rich orange colour ; this
colour is bordered on each side with a stripe of deep black
feathers, whose inner webs are pale lemon-yellow. The
female perfectly resembles the male in the distribution of her
colours, but her crest is paler, and inclining to yellow.

The young birds of the year in autumn resemble their
parents in the distribution of their colours, but the green
on their upper plumage is strongly tinged with grey, espe¬
cially about the sides of the head : they are also smaller
in size. The beak in adult birds is black : in young ones
the base of the under mandible is horn-colour. It is thin
and awl-shaped, broad at the base, and narrow towards the
tip.

The egg of the Golden-crested Wren is figured 73.

T4

FIRE-CRESTED WREN,

149

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYL VIA DM.

PLATE LXXIV.

FIRE-CRESTED WREN.

Sylvia ignicapilla.

The separation of this little bird, as a species, from the
golden-crested wren was first made by a continental naturalist,
M. Brehra, who communicated his observations to Tem-
minck and other ornithologists ; since which period a few speci¬
mens have been recognised in England at various times.
On the continent of Europe, this species is tolerably com¬
mon in some parts, although less so than its little congenor.
The Fire-crested Wren is considered to be most abundant
in France and Belgium, but it is found also in Switzerland
and in Germany; and it is an inhabitant of North America.
Like the preceding species, they remain in Europe, and pro¬
bably in England throughout the year. They do not, how¬
ever, winter in Germany ; but T emminck says they are con¬
stantly to be seen in France in winter, and inhabit the
“ Jardin du Roi” in Paris at that season.

In manners and habits this species nearly resembles the
more common one, the golden-crested wren. Like it, also,
this is chiefly found among woods and forests of pine and
other firs, and in gardens where such trees abound : its food
is the same, and in the localities it frequents there is no
distinctive difference. This species is, however, more shy
than the gold-crest, and does not associate in such large com-

150

SYLVIA D.E.

panics, either at ordinary times, or during migration, being
seldom seen more than six or seven together, probably the
little family of the year. It is not found so far north as
the preceding species ; and its times of migration are observed,
in parts on the continent Avhere it is well known, to be later
in the spring and earlier in the autumn.

These little birds are remarkably restless and continually
in motion. The male and female, which are usually seen
together, are so much attached to one another, that if one
is shot or captured, its companion remains on the spot for
a considerable time, uttering continually its call-note. The
notes of this little species are said to differ in tone from those
of the common golden-crested wren, so that by an accustomed
ear they may be readily distinguished.

The number of eggs in this species is from six to eight :
they vary in size and colour, as in the former species, which
they greatly resemble, being reddish or cream-white in the
ground colour, minutely speckled with yellowish-grey about
the larger end ; they are in size from six to seven lines in
length. The nest is built of moss, wool, and a few support¬
ing grasses, and lined with the down of animals and small
feathers : it is suspended from a fir-branch in the same manner
as that of the gold-crest, and is found in similar localities.

The Fire-crested Wren varies in length, from three and
a half to four inches. In a specimen measured by us the
dimensions were as follows : the beak from the forehead
nearly four lines : the wing from the carpus to the tip two
inches one line : the first quill-feather is short, the second
two lines shorter than the third ; the fourth and fifth are
a trifle longer than the third, and the longest in the wing ;
the tail, which extends about three quarters of an inch beyond
the folded wings, is slightly forked : the tarsi measure nine
lines.

The chief distinguishing marks of this species are the black

FIRE-CRESTED WREN.

151

streaks across tlie face, wliicli have procured for it in France
the expressive names of “ triple bandeau,” and “ roitelet a
moustaches.” These three black streaks are thus disposed :
the first extends from the base of the beak to the nape,
passing through the eye ; the second from the forehead to
the back of the head, and bounds the orange crest ; the third
proceeds from the corner of the mouth and passes beneath
the ear-coverts. Between these longitudinal black streaks
are two white lines, the one above, the other beneath the eye.
The crest is flame red, and the forehead yellowish-brown.
The iris is dark brown, the beak black, and the inside of the
mouth and tongue orange colour. The legs and feet are
yellowish-brown, the soles yellow and rough. The upper
plumage is yellowish- olive, including the back and scapulars ;
the nape and sides of the neck are tinged with ash. The
wings and tail are dusky, slightly bordered with yellow ; the
tertials are more broadly bordered with yellowish-white, ex¬
cept towards the base, where their outer web is dusky black,
forming a dark spot. The coverts of the wfings are dusky,
broadly bordered with greenish-white. The under parts are
greyish-white, strongly tinged upon the breast and flanks with
buff colour. The under coverts of the wings are pale grey.

The female nearly resembles the male, but her crest and
all her colours are paler and less distinctly marked. The
young birds may always be distinguished from those of the
golden-crested wren, by the bands across the sides of the head.
In young birds the colours are more obscure, and the base of
the beak is horn-colour. The beak, in this species, is always
larger in proportion than in the preceding.

The egg of this species is figured 74.

152

SYLVIAD.E.

INSESSONES.

DENTIROSTRES.

SYLVIAD.E.

PLATE LXXV.

WREN.

Sylvia troglodytes.

This well-known species is common tlirougliout Europe,
and extends from the Mediterranean as far north as the
arctic circle. It is a very hardy little bird, and appears
to prefer northern to southern climates. It is quite regard¬
less of the cold of our latitude, and braves the occasional
rigour of the winter in this country generally unharmed.
In Avinter it inhabits and shelters itself ivithin holes and
caves, among heaps of stones, or holloAvs formed by the
roots of trees, or in the cavernous recesses of old decayed
stems. In summer it does not entirely abandon such situa¬
tions, but appears to have an attachment, at all seasons,
for places sombre and lonely. It also inhabits ivoods and
plantations, where there is plenty of sheltering underwood,
and low bushes and hedgerows, and is often seen in the
neglected corner of a cottage garden. Wherever this little
creature resides it is fond of concealing itself, and as the
dead foliage and vegetable rubbish, amongst which it often
creeps, nearly assimilate ivith it in colour, it is only to be
discovered by its exceeding restlessness. It is a solitary
species, never associating in flocks, and seldom, except in
spring, to be seen even in pairs.

This light-hearted little bird is lively and intelligent.

WREN.

158

and readily sensible of danger ; on the least alarm it hastens
to hide itself from observation with the greatest possible
speed : its hops or leaps are mostly executed with the tail
erect, and follow in such quick succession that its flight
through the intricacies of a bush or hedge has a great resem¬
blance to the running of a mouse. When a bird of prey
appears, the little wren often gives the alarm, by uttering
rapidly its note of fear, shrek ! shrek ! so quickly repeated,
that it sounds like a miniature watchman’s rattle ; this is usu¬
ally accompanied with a curtsying, or dipping motion, in
the manner of the redbreast.

The flight of the Wren is performed in a straight line,
fluttering incessantly its short rounded wings ; it seldom
performs any longer flight than from bush to bush, or across
an open grass plat, and usually near the ground, as if con¬
scious of its imperfect powers.

The Wren sings occasionally at all seasons, but least
in the autumn. Early in spring its lively song may be
heard suddenly to break forth in a clear and cheerful strain :
its voice is very strong for so small a bird, more than equal¬
ing in strength that of the redbreast. It appears usually
to sing one stated succession of notes, or at most exhibits
but little variety. In the performance of its song the whole
body of the little vocalist vibrates, the bill is raised and
opened wide, the throat enlarged, and the wings drooping.
While singing, the little bird frequently sits upon the upper
branch of a hedge or bush, and when the song is ended
precipitately descends.

This little species rears its young throughout the greater
part of Europe, as far northward as Sweden. Its nest is
variously placed, and at very different elevations ; it is some¬
times found upon the ground, and occasionally as high as
twenty feet above it, as opportunity offers. In the situation
chosen for it gi’eat variety also may be observed. Some

154

SYLVIA D.E.

arc placed in holes in buildings, or under thatched roofs ;
some among piles of wood or faggots, some in a hay or
corn-rick, or among the exposed roots of trees ; some arc
placed against the trunks of large trees, and others upon
the ground among fern or brambles. Concealment for their
nest does not appear to be . much sought after, as it is often
to be found beside a high road, where the little builder is
disturbed by every passer. One thus circumstanced we
have lately seen built in a hole in the top of a low pollard
by the river side, in the most frequented spot in the village,
where every fisherman and every idle boy was in the habit
of passing. The anxiety this appeared to cause to the little
birds was extreme ; every minute their attention was dis¬
tracted from their young, and their vociferations were in¬
cessant, as if they thought that every one’s business and
convenience should give place to theirs.

The nest of this species is well constructed and very
curious, and remarkably varied in form and structure, to
suit the locality selected. When the stem of a tree is
chosen, the manner in which the little builder commences
the work is exceedingly ingenious. The first indication of
the future nest is a slight circular outline traced upon the
stem, by means of a few slender grass stalks attached to
the rough bark, generally of the elm, which tree appears
favourable for such an undertaking, on account of the slender
branches, or spurs, that spring at right angles from its stem,
and are sometimes used to attach the external parts of the
nest to. This slight circle may be observed for some days
nearly in the same state, so slow is the progress made in
this stage by the builders. By degrees a few more grasses
appear within the outline, and a little moss, but these little
creatures will seldom sulFer any one to see them at work ;
on the contrary, they jealously watch until any intrusive
passenger is out of sight ; thus ten days or a fortnight are

WREN.

155

sometimes employed in tlie construction. The nest when
complete is spherical, except that the side attached to the
stem is flattened. The opening for passing in and out is
in the upper half, below the dome, and is nearly closed by
the feathers with which it is lined.

The constructing materials of the nest are flexible grass
stalks, dead foliage, and green moss, of which the principal
part consists. When built upon the ground, the form of
the Wren’s nest differs considerably, and displays less in¬
genuity of contrivance, in proportion to the lesser need. A
nest of this description in our possession is so much like that
of a willow-wren, that it might, if empty, be mistaken for
one. It is externally composed of dead fern, with a small
portion of long green moss, interwoven with a few long flow¬
ering stems of grass, and lined with feathers.

Another nest in our possession, is of less common con¬
struction : this is suspended beneath a branch of spruce
fir, in the same manner as that of a golden-crested wren ;
not, however, from the extremity, but from the centre of
the branch. It is attached to the foliage of five or six
pendant sprays by the long trailing branches of several sorts
of wild geranium, or cranesbill, a material well adapted for
binding the branches together ; long grasses also appear in
the structure, and dead leaves of various kinds, together
with a little green moss. It is lined with skeleton leaves
and a few roots, but no feathers. This nest is fully six
inches long externally, and five inches in width. The width
within is about three inches, and the depth rather more.
The thickness of the nest varies from one to two inches,
and in substance it is very firm, especially beneath and around
the entrance. This nest contains four eggs, but sometimes
as many as eight are found.

The eggs of this species present very little variety, either
in fonn or colour ; they measure usually eight lines by six ;

156

SYLVIAD.E.

they are circular at the larger end, pointed at the smaller.
In colour they are reddish-white, but fade to pure white
when preserved : minute, dark crimson spots are sprinkled
over the surface, and are rather more numerous at the larger
end : the shell is very thin and polished.

The entire length of the Wren is scarcely four inches :
the wing measures from the carpus to the tip one inch nine
lines : the tail one inch two lines, and extends about half
an inch beyond the tips of the wings. The beak, from the
forehead to the point, is four and a half lines ; the tarsi
measure seven lines, and the middle toe and claw the same :
the hinder toe and claw, which are strong and thick, measure
together half an inch. The wing is much rounded ; the
first quill-feather measures eight lines, the second one inch
two lines, the third one inch four lines, the fourth, fifth,
sixth, and seventh are nearly the same length, and the longest
in the wing. The tail-feathers are even in length, except
the outer ones, wdiich are two lines shorter than the rest :
the upper and under coverts hide more than half the tail.

The wdiole upper plumage of this little bird is reddish-
brown, marked on the back and scapulars with transverse
dusky bars. The coverts of the wings and tertials, and the
tail, are rather more rufous in colour, and similarly barred :
the quill-feathers of the wings are dusky, barred on the outer
web with reddish-white, which gives a tesselated appearance.
The under parts are pale reddish-brown, lightest on the chin
and throat, and darkest on the flanks and under-coverts of
the tail, which are barred with dusky-brown. The legs and
feet are light brown. The beak is rather long and slender,
and rounded at the tip ; it has no perceptible notch in the
margin. The upper mandible is dark browm in colour ; the
under one dark only at the tip, and pale brown at the base.

To show how small in bodily substance this little bird is,
w'e mention the following fact. We once captured a Wren,

WREN.

157

and, wishing to observe its manners, designed to keep it
for a few dajs in a large wire cage. Accordingly we intro¬
duced the little creature in at the door ; it had scarcely
released itself from our hand, when we heard it strike itself
against a window at the other end of the room. Hardly believ¬
ing that it could so readily have escaped through the wires of
the cage, we repeated the experiment : the result was the
same ; and we found that this little creature could fly through
a cage whose wires were placed at the distance of only five
lines, or little more than the third of an inch from one another,
without appearing to be even obstructed by them.

The egg of the Wren is figured 75 in the plate. '

VOI.. II

lU

158

VARID/K.

JiXSESSOIiES.

DENTIROSTRES. ‘?’-

PLATE LXXVI.

GREATER TITMOUSE.

Pabus aiajor.

The present species is the largest of its family, and very
generally known. It is distributed all over Europe, and
is more numerous in the colder regions than in the warmer,
extendinff as far north as the utmost bounds of the forests.

O

It is also found throughout Asia. In these vast regions
the Titmouse is indigenous, and in most of them some
are found to remain nearly throughout the year, but the
greater part migrate from their extreme northern boundaries
in autumn, and their numbers are found greatly to increase
in the temperate regions at that season. This movement
is caused by the impossibility that these and other grani-
vorous birds find of obtaining a suflficiency of food in the
north, when the ground is covered by snowg or so hardened
by frost that their chance of subsistence would be small.

In England, their migratory movements are but little
perceived, but on the vast continent of Europe and Asia,
where the different seasons are far more distinct, the mi¬
grators may be seen, during September and October, flying
in great numbers from north-east to south-west, apparently
hurrying along, as if to overtake one another. It is gene¬
rally remarked, and with truth, that these birds do not return
in spring northward, in such great numbers as they passed
southward in autumn, many having doubtless fallen a prey

FI. je.

GREATER TITMOUSE.

15.9

to men, and animals, and birds of rapine, besides various
other casualties. They return during Marcli and April, and
from that time are only found in pairs in the woods. In
Holland, where these migrations also take place, they are
taken in great numbers in autumn, by birdcatchers, when
on the watch for other birds.

These birds are found alike on hills and plains, provided
the character of the country is sylvan. Their habits are
restless and busy in the extreme, and they are very rarely seen
sitting still for any length of time ; and although they do
not want for courage, they have the sagacity to avoid any
place where they have met with danger or disturbance, for
which reason they seldom construct a second nest in a spot
from which their first has been taken, although, when undis¬
turbed, they are known frequently to return, and build again
in the hole or sheltered corner in which they have brought up
their brood of the preceding year. They fight and quarrel
much with their neighbours, even at large, but when caged
they are dangerous companions to other small birds, whom
they pursue and harass, and on the first opportunity destroy,
by striking them on the head with their powerful bills, and
then feasting on their brains. The flight of this species
is rather laborious, performed in inverted arches, and low
when passing only from tree to tree ; but they fly higher in
the air when on their migratory passage.

The food of the Greater Titmouse consists of seeds, fruits,
insects and their larvse, and, like most other birds, their
chief occupation is seeking for it : for this purpose they are
indefatigable in their investigations among old trees, which
afford so many hidden retreats for them in their cavities
and bark. In winter they frequent orchards, much for the same
purpose ; also farmyards, for the sake of the scattered grain.

The nest of this species is invariably placed in a hole in
a tree or wall, or in a crevice of a rock, and its construction

IGO

PARID.E.

depends much on locality and circumstances, as regards form
and proportions. It generally consists of moss, grass, and
stalks, and is lined with wool, horse or cow’s hair, and
feathers, and generally loosely put together. We lately
saw a nest of this species, taken under rather curious circum¬
stances. A young companion with whom we were walking,
observed that he knew where there was a nest, as he had seen
a bird drop from the trees above into a hole, which he pointed
out, in a stump imbedded in the bank by the road side.
He climbed along the bank to it, and found that the hole,
which was in the remains of a felled tree, was too small to
admit the entrance of his hand ; consequently, he put in
a stick to feel what might be within, and, finding something
soft, he twisted the stick, in the manner boys do to get
a nest out of a narrow hole, and succeeded in bringing up a
nest composed of wool and grasses, and having two eggs
entangled by the process in its folds. Encouraged by his
success, he then with his knife enlarged the hole a little,
and put in his hand as far as he could reach, and just within
his arm’s length he felt more eggs at the bottom ; after
having succeeded in bringing out eight more, one by one,
he felt something running up his arm, and drawing it hastily
out, he saw the tail of a bird, which was endeavouring to
conceal itself in a side recess in the old stem. The affec¬
tionate little creature had, therefore, remained until all her
eggs were taken av/ay, and even then would not leave the
spot, but suffered herself to be taken prisoner with them,
although she might easily have made her own escape. We
set the parent at liberty, but thought, after the alarm she
had had, it was in vain to replace the nest and eggs with
any hope that she would again return to them. This nest
is an exceedingly well built one, composed of tufts of dry
grass with long flowering stems, and green moss externally,
and lined with wool, and hair, and rabbits’ down.

GREATER TITMOUSE.

161

The eo’ors of the Greater Titmouse are of a short oval form,
eight lines and a half long, and six and a half broad ; they
are white, with very little polish, freckled with many pale
lilac and reddish-brown spots over the whole surface ; rather
fullest at the larger end. The young birds, after they can
fly, follow their parents for a considerable time, and are care¬
fully fed by them ; they may sometimes be seen sitting upon
apple and other fruit trees in an orchard, waiting for the
expected supply of food ; they sit shivering, in the manneT
of other young birds, with their wings drooping, and uttering
a shrill cry, like shreep ! shreep ! The parents, whose note,
when so engaged, resembles tsip ! seek for their food among
the mossy branches and curled leaves, and appear to bring
them small caterpillars. The young birds may, for some
time, be distinguished from the old ones by their smaller
size and duller plumage. The roosting places of these birds
are usually holes in walls or trees, or beneath the tiles of
roofs, where a broken corner gives them admittance, and they
often roost several together.

The notes of this bird are various. Early in spring he
is heard to say eeclu ! eeclu ! eeclu ! and by degrees adds
many more words to his vocabulary. Among them are stitty !
stitty ! and britty ! britty ! he also says sitseeda I and, when
surprised or in fear, pronounces seeterrrr ! and jnnk, pink,
pink ! like the chaffinch, but in a louder tone and more fre¬
quently repeated, the chaffinch seldom saying it but once,
or, at most, twice at a time. But his favourite note is
seedidip I seedidip I which is pronounced with such rapidity
and so many times in succession, that the bird is out of
breath, and all his hearers are in the same condition. The
notes are all in a high key, sharp and metallic.

The entire length of the Greater Titmouse is nearly six
inches. The wing measures, from the carpus to the tip,
three inches ; the first quill-feather is narrow and pointed.

im

PARID.E.

and less than half the length of the second ; the second,
Avhich is also rather pointed, is four lines shorter than the
third ; the fourth and fifth exceed the third a little, and are
the longest in the Aving. The tail extends beyond the closed
Avings about an inch and a quarter : the tail-feathers measure
tAvo inches and three quarters, and the upper coverts hide
about one third of their length. The tarsus measures ten
lines : the toes are rather strong, and the claAvs thick. The
beak measures five lines from the forehead, and is strong,
thick, and broad ; the edges of the loAver mandible fit into
the upper. The nostrils are covered Avith strong, bristly
feathers.

The piebald plumage of these birds is very striking and
handsome : the colours of the adult male are as folloAvs. An
entire glossy black hood covers the head ; the chin and throat
are of the same colour, and a broad black band descends
from the throat, doAvn the middle of the belly to the tail.
The cheeks are Avhite, bounded by another black band : the
sides of the breast and flanks are dull yelloAV. The back
and scapulars are olive green ; the loAver part of the back
and upper coverts of the tail fine bluish-grey ; the lesser
coverts of the Avings the same : the greater coverts are bluish-
grey, edged Avith the green of the back, and broadly tipped
Avith Avhite. The primary quills are greyish-black, edged
Avith fine grey, except the first tAvo. The secondaries and
tertials are black, edged Avith greenish-Avhite. The outer
tail-feather is greyish-black on chief of the inner Aveb, the
outer Aveb and tip Avhite ; the rest of the tail-feathers are
black on their inner Avebs, and slate colour on their outer.
The beak is blackish-horn-colour, Avith lighter edges and tip :
the iris is dark broAvn : the legs and feet are slate colour.

The female is not by far so brilliant in colouring. The
Avhite patch on the cheek is less clear ; the black on the head
and breast is duller, and extends only half Avay doAvn the

GREATER TITMOUSE.

163

breast ; it is also narrower. The young male lias tlie black
streak clown the breast and belly narrower tlian in tlie adult
male, but continued all the way. The moult of these birds
takes place in July and August.

The characters of the genus Parus are ; bill short, strong,
subconical, slightly compressed, without any notch ; nostrils
basal and round, hidden by short reflected bristles ; tarsi
strong ; hinder claw the longest : wings with the first quill
moderate, the second shorter than the third, the fourth and
fifth the longest.

The egg of the Greater Titmouse is figured 76.

164

ryNRID.E.

IXSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES.

PA RID. E.

PLATE LXXVII.

BLUE TITMOUSE.

Parus c.eruleus.

The present species inhabits all Europe, ^vith the excep¬
tion of the most northern parts : it prefers moderately hilly
to mountainous countries, and frequents leaf-clad trees, in pre¬
ference to pines and firs. In the spring these birds are
seen in pairs, and afterwards in families : towards autumn
they collect in flocks, but not in such numbers as the fore¬
going species. It requires hardly to be mentioned, that
the Blue Titmouse remains with us the whole year, and
is continually seen in shrubberies close to our windows,
particularly during the winter season. They associate much
with the golden-crested wrens and creepers ; but these are
not so familiar, and do not generally approach so near to
habitations. In temper the Blue Titmouse is quarrelsome
and cruel, frequently biting and pursuing other small
birds, with erected crest and attitudes of defiance. Among
the branches of trees this little creature is very nimble,
climbing and hopping from bough to bough, and clinging
in a variety of attitudes ; it seldom descends to the ground,
all its habits being arboreal. Its flight, when continued to
a little distance, is rather unsteady, especially in windy
weather.

On the continent of Europe, many of these birds migrate

TI¬

PI.

BLUE TITMOUSE.

165

towards the south in autumn ; driven froin the inhospitable
regions of the north by cold and hunger. They begin
their course in September and October ; and travelling
through forests and woods, pass through the centre of Europe.
In the spring they return by the same route, and spread them¬
selves again over the north.

The natural food of these birds consists of grain, and
insects of almost every description. In spring and summer
they principally consume small caterpillars, moths, spiders,
etc., and their larvae, which are found under the leaves, and
on the bark of trees. During autumn and winter, their
principal occupation is seeking for the concealed eggs of
insects, for which they often frequent fruit-trees in orchards ;
and although in this search some mischief may be done
to their buds, this is far more than compensated by the
destruction of innumerable stores of eggs, ready to come
forth in the first warm days of spring, to commence their
much more destructive ravages. Seeds of berries, and the
kernels of beech mast, they are also partial to. Nor does
this wide range include all that the Blue Titmouse is fond
of ; for we have often seen it feasting among joints of meat
in a village butcher’s shop, even in summer when food is
plentiful ; and on watching for what purpose it came there,
we have seen it pick out carefully the fat by preference.
Possibly they may also be of service in a butcher’s shop,
as well as among apple-trees, by destroying the large flies
that frequent such places, and the eggs produced by them.

The Blue Titmice are very expert in snatching food
from beneath brick or net traps set in winter, and we have
often seen them take a piece of bread, or grain of corn,
and fly up into the trees with it ; on which occasions the
sparrows and chaffinches, who are generally too cunning to
venture under themselves, sometimes follow, and by their
superior strength, take it away from them. The greater
titmouse does not suffer himself to be so treated.

1G6

PARID.E.

In March, or April, the Bine Titmouse begins again to
construct its nest in the place it inhabited the foregoing
spring, provided it has not been destroyed by the axe of
the -woodman, or the insatiable demands of the cottager’s
wife for firewood, the chosen spot generally being a hole
in an old dry stump of a tree, or in a branch partly decayed ;
and usually a few feet from the ground. Old apple or
pear-trees, willow stumps, half decayed oahs, etc., are often
chosen. The place usually preferred to receive the nest is
a hole, narrow at the entrance, sufficient only to receive the
bird, but wider within, where it is often scooped out and
prepared by the builder itself with its strong and sharp
bill. The structure of the nest depends much upon the
place in which it is situated : if the hole is small, the nest
consists only of a few feathers or tufts of hair ; if large, the
foundation is of moss, grasses, and wmol ; the nest is well
constructed, and lined with hair. The number of eggs in
early nests seldom exceeds eight ; and in later, or second
broods, seldom more than six are found. It is said that
although this bird returns year after year to the same spot
to build, it does not for a second brood inhabit the same
hole, in which the first, or spring family, has been brought
up. The Blue Titmouse is also very tenacious of her eggs,
and will scratch and bite sharply any one who is venturous
enough to put his hand into the hole where she sits.

The most common note of the Blue Titmouse is zit! zit !
which it utters very frequently, apparently for amusement ;
or it may be a sort of family, or gathering note, to keep
the little party together ; it is continually interchanged
among them, Avhen several of these little creatures are seen
flitting about and feeding together ; it also says tzitee ! Its
true call, or pairing note is tsee ! tsee ! tsirrr ! very quickly
repeated. There is little inducement to keep birds of this
genus in confinement, as they have no song, and no habits

BLUE TITMOUSE.

1G7

of sociability. This species also requires to be kept alone,
and must be provided with a cage entirely of wire, as they
soon, with their powerful beaks, destroy wood-work in their
incessant attempts to recover their liberty.

The entire length of the Blue Titmouse is four inches and
a half ; the wing measures from the carpus to the tip two
inches and a quarter, and the tail, which measures nearly two
inches, extends an inch beyond the tips of the closed wings ;
the tarsus is eight lines in length ; the beak four lines from
the tip to the forehead, and in form short and conical.

The variegated plumage of this species is as follows. The
crown of the head is blue, lightest near the forehead, and
darkest towards the nape, surrounded entirely by a white
band ; beneath this white band passes a dark bluish-black
line, which commences at the nostril, and passing through the
eyes, extends to the back of the head ; the cheeks are white,
bounded by a dark blue band, which commences at the
corner of the mouth, and passes backwards to the nape. The
feathers of the back and scapulars are glossy canary green.
The coverts of the wings are deep bright blue, the larger
tipped with white, forming a distinct band across the wings ;
the quill-feathers are blackish, the secondaries edged with
bluish-green, and the tertials tipped with dull white ; the tail
is blue, and slightly forked. The under plumage is sulphur-
yellow ; the chin is deep bluish-purple, from which a band of
the same colour extends down the middle of the belly ; the
legs and toes are bluish-grey.

The female nearly resembles the male, clitFering only in
having her colours less bright and distinct, and the dark band
down the centre of the body less prolonged.

The young birds have the same distribution of colours, but
they are much duller, and tinged with grey. During their
first autumnal moult, which takes place in August, the co¬
lours of the nestling plumage and the feathering of the adult

168

PARID.E,

are curiously mingled ; tlie cheeks and circle round the crown
are yellow, mottled with new Avhite feathers; the top of the
head, which in the nestling is greenish smoke colour, is be¬
ginning to be speckled with the bright blue feathers that dis¬
tinguish that part in the adult ; the dark eyestreak and collar
are smoke colour, and the beak dark horn, edged with white.
The young male at this period has but a very slight indica¬
tion of the dark band down the body, and in the young
female it is entirely wanting.

The egg of this species is figured 77 in the Plate.

'Y

PI. J8

MARSH TITMOUSE.

169

J^'SESSORES. PARIDJE.

DENTJROSTRES.

PLATE LXXVIIL

MARSH TITMOUSE.

Pakus palustris.

The present subject is hardly larger than the blue tit¬
mouse, and is short and stout in form, and plain in plumage.
The Marsh Titmouse is common throughout most parts of
Europe from south to north. In Sweden, Norway, and
Russia, it is very common, as also in Holland and Switzer¬
land ; and it is found equally in the northern parts of Asia
and of America.

In Britain this species is indigenous, and resident through¬
out the year. During summer their chief resort is under¬
wood, particularly near water or springy spots ; they also fre¬
quent osier beds by the river side, and are found among tall
reeds and water-plants. In winter they are chiefly seen in
bushes, plantations, gardens, and orchards, in the vicinity of
towns and villages, and approach fearlessly the habitations of
men, even among hills and mountains, which they do not so
much frequent at other times. These birds are seldom seen
in the upper branches of tall trees, but mostly reside in the
lower branches, in bushes, or copsewood. Their roosting-place
for the night is generally a hole, so small that they can
but just enter. In manners these little birds are quick and
lively, and appear to be of a cheerful, happy, and affectionate
disposition. During the early part of spring a little pair may

170

PAUID.E.

be seen to hop about among tlie branches of a low tree for
some time, seeking for food, and when one of them has met
with a morsel, it will approach its mate with it, Avhilc the
other opening its beak and shivering like a young bird, utters
the nestling’s note and receives the offered donation. This
little species is so constantly seen in pairs, that it is believed
to choose its partner for life.

Like all other titmice, the monosyllable tzit ! tzit ! is one
of the call-notes of this species during all occupations ; and
from the frequency of its repetition we think it not impro¬
bable that this genus has derived its popular name of Tit,
or Titmouse. They have also many other notes, such as
spit ! spit ! (lea ! dea ! also ailtz ! ailtz ! which is said to
be their call in the pairing-season. Many of the notes of
the Titmice are highly musical, but their performance of
them can scarcely be called a song, as it is frequently con¬
fined to two notes, uttered alternately, sometimes slowly,
sometimes with great rapidity. The gathering cry of the
Marsh Titmouse is of this description ; it consists of two
notes, of a rich metallic sound, which seem to express huid-
gee, or witjee^ uttered many times in succession. Towards
the end of summer we have seen little parties of six or eight
of this species, flitting together in lofty fir-trees, uttering
frequently this metallic cry ; and we have noticed that they
appear to delight in sultry weather.

The food of the Marsh Titmouse is seeds and insects.
During spring and summer they consume innumerable insects
and their larvae, from the leaves and buds of trees, as well as
from their branches and bark. In autumn and winter seeds
and berries, and the eggs of insects are sought after. The
seeds of sunflowers are a favourite food, also hemp-seed,
spinach and lettuce-seed, and the seeds of many garden
flowers ; they will also eat oats, and, like the blue titmouse,
they are fond of flesh.

MAKSH TITMOUSE.

171

Of all this family none is so pleasing and amusing as the
Marsh Titmouse when caged, or kept in a large aviary.
When first caught, ants’ eggs and elder-berries should be
given them, but for a constant food the best is the seed of
the sun flower.

The Marsh Titmouse breeds among low bushes and trees
of no great elevation, generally near water, in osier beds and
willow plantations. The nest is always placed in a hole, at
various elevations from the ground ; the most frequent place
is the crown of a pollard-willow, which is sufficiently soft to
allow the little birds to hollow out a place large enough for
their nursery. “ W e have seen it,” says Montagu, “artfully
excavating the decayed part of that tree, and carrying the
chips in its bill to some distance ; always working downwards,
and making the bottom, for the reception of the nest, larger
than the entrance.” The hole of entrance is generally per¬
fectly circular, and so small as only to admit the ingress and
egress of the parent bird. Under such circumstances the
nest consists only of a few hairs and tufts of wool ; but if the
cavity selected is of sufficient dimensions, moss, and grasses,
fibres of roots, and bark, Avith wool and hair, are carried in,
in considerable quantities.

The eggs of this species are from eight to tAvelve in num¬
ber, and may be found in May ; they are hatched after
thirteen days’ incubation, in which both parents assist. The
young birds are fed with small caterpillars, and the labours of
the parents are incessant, in order to supply so many mouths.
The parents show great attachment to the young, as Avell as
to each other ; as a proof of their affection, if one of a little
family is caught and placed in a cage as a call-bird, all the
family flock around, and all may successively be made pri¬
soners. Second, or late broods seldom exceed six in number.

The Marsh Titmouse is four and a half inches in entire
length : and weighs about two and a half drams. The Aving

172

PARID.K.

measures from the earpal joint to the end of the longest quill-
feather two inches four lines : the tail two inches two lines ;
the beak measures three lines from the forehead to the tip,
and is conical and very blunt ; the nostrils are covered
by very stiff, black hairs, directed forward. The wings have
the first quill eight lines in length ; the second, one inch
five lines; the third, two inches three lines; the fourth, fifth,
and sixth, exceed the third by about one line, and are the
lono'est in the win^j ; the tarsi measure eight lines.

The plumage of this little bird, although less striking
than that of most of its congenors, is very pretty. The
whole head is covered with a jet black hood, which includes
the forehead and nape. The cheeks are white, as are also
the reflected stiff hairs that extend from the eye to the
corners of the mouth : the chin is black. The back and
scapulars are rusty grey, lightest on the upper coverts of
the tail : the tail and wings are dusky, edged with the colour
of the back. The under plumage of the body is dull white,
strongly tinged on the breast and flanks with buff colour.
The iris is dark brown : the legs and toes bluish-grey. The
under coverts of the wings are cream-colour ; the under sur¬
face of the wings and tail feathers pale slate, with white shafts.

The female and young so nearly resemble the adult male,
that one description will suffice for all.

The egg of this species is dull white, without any polish ;
it is very minutely speckled over with reddish brown spots,
chiefly around the zone at the larger end. The eggs of
all our indigenous titmice have a marked character, which
distinguishes them from those of the wren, the creeper,
and the chiff-chaff ; they are more unpolished in surface,
the markings are paler, and often rough or angular in form,
instead of smooth and round. A representation of one will
be found figured 78.

77-

78.

Pl.jg.

COLE TITMOUSE.

173

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES.

PARI DM.

PLATE LXXIX,

COLE TITMOUSE.

Pabus ater.

This species is the smallest of the British Titmice, and
one of the most lively and familiar. It is of frequent occur¬
rence, and widely distributed throughout the northern hemi¬
sphere. It is generally to be seen at all seasons, but in the
winter especially it may be observed, as at that time it ap¬
proaches nearest to inhabited dwellings, and may be seen
among the leafless trees around them, busily searching for
its food.

The Cole Titmouse is distributed over Europe, Northern
Asia, and North America, as far north as vegetation exists in
the form of trees ; it is common in Sweden, Russia, France,
and Germany, as well as in our own country. With us
these birds are indigenous, but like most others of their kind,
their numbers are increased in the autumn by migratory
flights from the north, impelled by change of season and
consequent want of subsistence. These return again in the
month of March towards the north. These travellers are
only on their progress during the day, skirting woods or
thickets, where such are to be met with, and are seldom seen
in open or unsheltered spots.

The localities chosen by these birds are chiefly pine and
fir forests and woods, both in hilly and in level country ;
Scotch fir plantations they are especially fond of. They live

VOL. II.

N

174

PARID.E,

in pairs, and are generally seen in the tops of the trees while
the weather is mild. During cold and wet w'eather they
come down upon the ground, and visit gardens and orchards,
where they may be seen in numbers during autumn and
winter.

The habits of the Cole Titmouse much resemble those of
the other species, being always in motion in search of food,
which consists of seeds, particularly those of the fir-tribe, and
insects. They may be seen searching about in all the
crevices of the stems and branches, to the tips of which they
hang themselves ; and the cones are investigated very closely.
These birds are also very fond of the seeds contained in ser¬
vice berries. Caterpillars and large insects they trample
under their feet, before they begin to feed upon them ; the
smaller insects they consume entire, as well as the eggs and
larvae. When they obtain a seed from the cone of a fir-tree
they carry it to a convenient branch, where they take the
kernel out of it while holding the pod with their claws.
They are also very skilful on the ground in searching for
the seeds of the pine, &c. Where they find plenty of these
seeds, they are said to hoard them up, and secrete them
behind the bark of trees, or in crevices in the wood, and
fetch them out when they are in want ; and this is most
probably the case, as it accords with their manners when
caged, when they have been seen to hide a portion of their
food, and frequently to look whether it was still where they
put it.

The flight of this species is unsteady, and resembles much
that of the other Titmice, fluttering with their wings in the
manner of a moth.

The nest of the Cole Titmouse is always placed in a shel¬
tered position ; sometimes it occupies a hole in a decayed
tree, at a little elevation from the ground ; sometimes it is
found in a deserted mouse or mole-hole, or in a hole in a

COLE TITMOUSE.

175

wall or crevice in a rock, usually in the neighbourhood of
forests or woods of pine or fir. The materials consist
chiefly of short green ground moss, and the nest is lined with
the hair of small quadrupeds, sometimes intermixed with
feathers. The female deposits in this warm little cavern her
six or eight eggs, of the size, shape, and colouring represented
in the plate. No. 79. Incubation lasts about a fortnight,
and the male and female sit by turns : the young, when
hatched, are fed with small green caterpillars. These birds
have two broods in the year, the first of which may be seen
on the wing about the middle of May.

The usual note of the Cole Titmouse is much like that
of the foregoing species, being zit ! zit ! and the call-note
is like zit-tee !

To close the history of these little birds, let us, finally,
point out their great utility in destroying a vast number of
insects, hurtful to forest-trees in general, which, if not kept
within due limits by these and many other of their fellow
agents, would rob the woods of their freshness and verdure.

The entire length of the Cole Titmouse is four and a half
inches. The wing, from the carpus to the extremity of the
longest quill-feather, is two inches and a quarter in length ;
the first quill-feather measures nine lines, the second one inch
and a half ; the third exceeds the second by about three
lines, but is scarcely so long as the fourth, fifth, and sixth,
which are the longest in the wing. The tail measures one
inch eight lines, is slightly forked, and extends four lines be¬
yond the tips of the folded wings. The beak, which is
longer and thinner than in the Marsh Titmouse, is in length
four lines from the forehead to the tip, and covered at the
base with stij0F reflected hairs, which conceal the nostrils. The
tarsi measure scarcely seven lines, and the feet are rather
stout.

The elegant plumage of this little species is as follows :

176

PARIB.E.

the bill is dark horn colour, lighter along the edges, and
transparent at the tip ; the top of the head is entirely
covered with a hood of shining blnish-black feathers, which,
encroaching a little on the mantle, gives the head an ap¬
pearance of greater size ; the chin is also black ; and the
characteristic white spot, which distinguishes several of the
Titmice, occupies the nape. The cheeks are pure white,
bordered below with a narrow black band ; the middle of the
breast and belly are white ; the sides of the breast, the flanks,
and under coverts of the tail delicate buff colour. The upper
part of the back and scapulars are ash-colour, tinged with
hoary green ; the lower part of the back and upper coverts of
the tail are strongly tinged with brownish bulf. The larger
and lesser coverts of the wings are dark ash-colour, each fea¬
ther tipped with a round white spot, forming two bars across
the wings ; the tail and wings are dusky, edged with the
hoary green colour of the back ; the tertials tipped with
Avhite. The tail-feathers beneath are dusky grey, with white
shafts ; the under surface of the quill-feathers are the same,
with white edges on the inner web ; the under coverts of the
wings are greyish-white. The tail is slightly forked, and all
the feathering is loose, and silky.

Between male and female there is very little difference in
plumage: the latter is rather smaller, and the black on the
head less glossy, and not extending so far down, and the
white is not so pure. The young resemble the adult female.
The nest feathers of the young, before the first moult, have
a general tinge of green in them ; and the soles of their feet
are yellow. There is no variation in the plumage of this
species at any particular period of the seasons, with the excep¬
tion of a brighter polish on the new feathers, after the au¬
tumnal moult.

The egg of this species is numbered 79 in the plate.

PI. so

CRESTED TITMOUSE.

177

mSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. PARIDJE.

PLATE LXXX.

CRESTED TITMOUSE.

ParUS CRISTATUS.

The Crested Titmouse, which is distinguished from all
the other species of the Parus tribe by the fine erect plumage
that ornaments its head, is a scarce and local bird in this
country, and confined chiefly to the northern parts of Scot¬
land, where it inhabits the most wooded districts. In the
vast forests of pine and fir, that cover so many parts of the
north of Europe, this bird is of frequent occurrence : and it
appears probable that it entirely confines itself to such locali¬
ties, as, in our own country, it inhabits fir-covered tracts only.
It is a hardy bird, and resides, throughout the year, in several
of the northern countries of Europe, as far north as Sweden,
where it is a permanent resident. It is an inhabitant of
many wooded tracts in Russia, Poland, and parts of Germany,
and is found in Switzerland among the mountain forests, and
in some of the hilly and wooded parts of France.

In their habits these birds appear less influenced by the
successive changes of the seasons than others of their tribe,
and are, consequently, more stationary ; and their migratory
flights, when they do take place, more limited. That par¬
tial migrations occur is apparent, by the fact of their being
occasionally seen in spring and autumn, beyond their usual
forest limits, in plantations and shrubberies. Under such

178

PARID-E.

circumstances, tliey appear to be hurrying on, as if on their
passage to a distant part, passing hastily from bush to bush. In
the summer they are found only in forests of large extent,
Avhither they constantly resort to breed. Their haunts are
chiefly the very tops of the tallest and oldest fir-trees ; besides
which they are occasionally seen in juniper trees or bushes, to
which they are very partial.

In habits the Crested Titmice resemble others of their
tribe, being always in motion from branch to branch, and are
lively and quarrelsome, although preferring society. They
are seldom seen alone, but associate in flocks, and frequently
with other small birds of their kind. When seen among
their native forests these birds do not appear shy ; but when
passing along in their migratory courses they are huming and
restless.

The Crested Titmouse has not hitherto been ascertained to
inhabit any part of England, although it is not uncommon
in several of the forests and fir-covered districts of Scotland,
from whence specimens are frequently obtained : in that
country it has been seen as far south as the neighbour¬
hood of GlasgoAv, where it is knowm to breed.

The call-note of this species is the same as that of the
other Titmice ; to wdiich is usually added the sound ghirrr !
or ghirrr-kee ! This call is loudest in the pairing season.
When any of these birds are caught, and it is designed to
keep them in confinement, they ought to be placed several
together in a cage, as they are fond of company.

The food of this bird consists in summer of insects, and
their eggs and larvae, in preference to seeds ; but in autumn,
winter, and spring, they consume also the seeds of pine trees,
and other trees of the fir tribe, which they j^ick from the
cones or take from the ground, where they obtain also many
an insect cot that lies concealed among the moss. When
caged, mountain ash and juniper berries, as well as hempseed,

CRESTED TITMOUSE.

179

may be given to them, and they require much water to drink
and to bathe in.

As before mentioned, these birds breed only in large pine
forests. The nest is to be found in the hollow part of a
decayed tree, or in the deserted nest of a squirrel or magpie :
it consists of moss and lichens, and is lined with hair or the
wool of animals. The eggs are from eight to ten in number,
and in form and colour as represented in the plate, (fig. 80.)
They are said to have two broods in the year.

The remarkable crest upon the head, from which this spe¬
cies derives its trivial name, consists of rather narrow, long,
and pointed black feathers, edged with white. These fea¬
thers are shortest upon the forehead, and lengthen as they
approach the crown of the head : the longest are bent forward
in the shafts, in consequence of which they can never lie
quite flat. The longest, or hindermost of them, measure
about an inch in length : the forehead is covered with black
and white scale-like feathers. From the beak extends over
the eyes a dull or dirty white band towards the nape, which
is also of a similar colour. Behind the eye commences a
black band, which runs towards the back of the head, and then
inclining forward in the shape of a crescent, surrounds the
cheeks and ear-coverts. The cheeks and sides of the neck
beneath the black crescent are dull white, tinged with
yellow. The throat and chest are black, from whence ex¬
tends a narrow line of the same colour to the nape of the
neck, forming a perfect collar. All the upper parts are mouse-
colour, palest on the rump : the upper part of the breast is
white, tinged with rust-yellow on the sides, which colour
deepens on the lower part of the breast, and becomes on the
vent, belly, sides, and under tail-coverts, brownish-yellow.
The wing-feathers are dark greyish-brown, edged with mouse-
colour ; the larger quills are edged with pale grey : the tail-
feathers are dark brown, edged also with reddish-mouse-

180

PARID.E.

colour, and the outer feathers have nan-ow white edges. Tlie
under surface of the wing and tail-feathers are dark grey, and
the inner webs of the wing-feathers are edged with silvery-
w'hite ; the under wing-coverts are dirty-white, tinged with
rust-yellow^ The iris is dark brown ; the beak black ; the
legs pale lead-colour ; the claws greyish-hora.

The crest of the female is shorter than that of the male ;
the black on the chin is not so far extended, and the black
border round the neck is much narrower and frequently im¬
perfect.

The young birds, before the first autumnal moult, have
the crest small, the black round the cheeks imperfect, and

the collar hardly visible. The chin is nearly black, the

throat grey ; the breast is dirty-white, and all the under parts
are intermixed with grey.

The entire length of the Crested Titmouse is four inches
and three-quarters. The wing measures, from the carpus to
the tip, two inches and a half; and the tail extends about

an inch beyond the folded wings ; the tarsus measures three-

quarters of an inch ; and the beak about three and a half
lines, from the forehead to the tip. From the forehead to
the end of the longest feather of the crest is about an inch
and quarter, and the fourth quill-feather is the longest in
the wing.

In the autumn of 18S9, during a rough gale of wind from
the north-west, we observed in a fir-wood near Claremont
House in Surrey, a small bird apparently of this species, but
being unable to obtain the specimen, we could not ascertain
the fact. It is possible that a Crested Titmouse might have
been driven so much further south than its usual supposed
limit by a strong wind.

The egg of this species is figured 80 in the plate.

Pl.8i.

LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE.

181

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. PARTED.

PLATE LXXXI.

LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE.

Pares caudatus.

The Long-tailed Titmouse is known all over Europe,
and in the northern and temperate parts of Asia, in situations
of a sylvan character. From the central parts of Europe many
of this species depart for milder climes in the autumn, for
the purpose of passing the winter, but with us they remain
the Avhole year. During the spring they are seen in pairs,
but in autumn and winter these interesting little birds are
seen following their vocation in families ; the little party con¬
sisting usually of about a dozen. Constantly in motion from
tree to tree, and flying in a straight line with much rapidity,
they remind the spectator of the pictured representation of a
flight of arrows. Their movements are noiseless, on account
of the soft and silky nature of their plumage ; but their pre¬
sence may always be detected by the musical family cry, zit !
zit ! which is continually reiterated among the little party.
From the small size of the body, and its exceeding lightness,
and from the length of the tail, these little creatures in windy
weather appear hardly able to preserve their balance when on
the wing.

Much aflection seems to subsist among the members of
each little family, and they always roost together. Perched
side by side upon a horizontal branch, among thick foliage,
their feathers puffed up, their heads behind their wings, and

182

PARID.E.

their long narrow tails drooping, the little party has a
singular appearance. During winter they crowd together in
a hole in a bank or tree for warmth.

In their everlasting motion while awake, these birds show
the family they belong to, but they are not quarrelsome nor
cruel, like some of their predecessors. Towards mankind
they show little fear, but on the approach of a bird of prey
they fly into the thickest part of the nearest bushes with
such cries of alarm, that other birds present have notice of
the enemy’s approach. As before mentioned, these birds
prefer wooded districts, and are fond of the vicinity of Avater.

The notes of the Long-tailed Titmouse, besides the usual
call, are tea ! tea ! and tsee-ree-ree ! Their food consists
chiefly of insects, and their eggs and larvae.

The nest of this species is one of the most beautiful
among the structures of birds, and deserves the greatest
admiration for its lightness and delicacy. So many and
various are the situations chosen by the little architects, that
it is difficult to say where these beautiful nests are most
commonly to be met with. They are found in thorn-hedges
and bushes, fruit-trees, willow shrubs, furze bushes, &c.
The nest is of a long oval form, with the entrance on one
side towards the top ; the materials chosen are green moss,
matted together Avith spider-cots, vegetable wool, and frag¬
ments of the bark of birch-trees. The outside materials,
consisting chiefly of tree-moss, are usually taken from the
bush or tree in Avhich the nest is placed, Avhich assimilates
it with the stems, and sometimes serves to preserve it
from detection until the little ones are floAvn. The entrance
of the nest is scarcely large enough to admit a person’s finger,
and is nearly closed by the elasticity of the constructing ma¬
terials. When complete, such a fabric cannot be looked
upon Avithout the utmost admiration and wonder, when Ave
observe the minute fragments of Avhich the nest is chiefly

LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE.

183

composed, its elasticity, and the great tenacity with which
these small parts are held together. The last-mentioned
quality appears due to the webs of spiders, and to the silky
cots of chrysalides, of which great part is composed.

These substances must also be a great protection to the
interior of the nest against rain, which apparently cannot
penetrate through them ; and such a defence must be the
more necessary to this species, as many of their nests are
built early in the spring, while the trees and hedges are still
leafless, and are often placed in situations exposed to the
weather.

The Long-tailed Titmouse begins to construct its nest
early in March, and it is said to be usually three weeks in
progress. We once found one complete as early as the 22nd
of that month, and being desirous to observe the habits of the
little occupants, visited it several times ; but, being placed in
a leafless hedge, we anticipated the fate that soon befel it, —
it was pulled out by some merciless boys, and the fragments
scattered about the lane. On our next visit we found the
two little birds flying distractedly about, and hurrying to and
fro near the fatal spot. This was continued for several days,
and at last they were observed in another part of the same
lane, about a hundred yards distant, employed in constructing
a second nest from the scattered materials of the former.
After about a fortnight, the second nest was also ruthlessly
destroyed, and the poor little birds abandoned the spot.
The nests of this species are usually found at the elevation
of from two to five feet from the ground ; but we remember
to have seen one in a tall tree, at about the height of five-
and-tw'enty feet, probably in the process of building, as the
birds were going frequently in and out.

In the Long-tailed Titmouse the beak is very short, mea¬
suring less than a quarter of an inch, and, in consequence of the
bristling feathers Avhich grow about its base, a very small part of

184

PAKID.E.

it is visible. The upper mandible projects a little beyond the
lower, and is more arched than in others of the Titmouse
family. The eyelid in this species is bare of feathers, and
the upper lid is always thicker than the lower, particularly
during the time of incubation.

The plumage of the adult male is as follows. The eyelid
is lemon-yellow : the beak is black, and polished like ivory.
The bristling feathers which surround, and partly cover the
beak, are white with browmish tips. The top of the crown
and nape, the throat, chest, and all the under parts are white,
but dull, as if dusty, intermixed on the flanks, thighs, and vent
with tile-red : the under tail-coverts are dingy, dull tile-red.
Beneath the white crown, or crest, there extends along the
side of the head a broad black band, which surrounds the
eyes and passes backwards to the nape, where it unites with
the black feathering of the middle of the back : the lower
part of the back is black, intermixed with streaks of pale tile-
red ; and the short upper tail-coverts are black. Thn rest of
the back and shoulders are wdiite, intermixed with dull tile-
red. The wing-coverts are brownish-black, those nearest
to the body broadly tipped with white ; the tertials are
dusky, bordered with white. The secondary quills are almost
black, with white edges, and the primary quill-feathers are
dusky. The six middle feathers of the tail are black ; the
three outer ones on each side have the outer web white, and a
white, wedge-shaped spot on the inner web, towards the tip.
The feathers of the tail are graduated in length, the outer
pair being little more than an inch in length, while the six
central ones measure three. The under coverts of the wings
are white, the under surface of the quills grey, with silvery
edges. The legs and feet are black ; the soles of the feet
frequently grey : the iris is dark brown.

The female nearly resembles the male in plumage. The
young, before the first moult, differ in some respects from the

LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE.

185

adult birds ; their eyelids are bright blood-red, the black
about their head and upper parts is of a smoke colour, and all
the other colours paler.

The entire length of the Loiiff-tailed Titmouse is five
inches and a half. The wing, from the carpus to the tip, is
two and a half inches, and the tail, which is fully three inches
long, extends two inches and a quarter beyond the closed
wings ; the tarsi measure nine lines. The feathering of this
bird is so silky and loose that the head and body are mingled
into one shapeless ball.

In this species the number of eggs varies from nine to
twelve, and there are sometimes found as many as fifteen in
one nest. They are in size and appearance as represented in
figure 81, in the plate, being dull chalky- white, minutely
speckled about the zone with rust-colour ; some are found en¬
tirely plain.

This little species is distinguished in different counties by
various local names, in allusion to its peculiar manner of con¬
structing its nest. In Surrey it is called the “ Long-pod,” in
Suffolk the “ Pudding-poke,” and, in some counties, the
“ Bottle- tit,” all sufficiently descriptive of its habits.

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PL 82

BEARDED TITMOUSE.

187

nVSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. PARIDM.

PLATE LXXXII.

BEARDED TITMOUSE.

Pares biarmicus. {Linn.)

Among the smaller British birds there is none more lovely
than the Bearded Titmouse. Its elegant form, silky plumage,
and -well-defined markings, combine to render it, when in
a living state, one of the most pleasing of the feathered race.
The intensely black moustaches of the male bird add greatly
to its beauty, although they appear an extraordinary append¬
age to a bird so gentle and mild in character, inducing the
belief that moustaches are by no means certain indications of
ferocity or courage. The nature of the Bearded Titmouse is
amiable, and it is pleasing and elegant in all its move¬
ments. These birds are restless, like their congeners, the
rest of the Titmouse family, continually running up and
down the stems of the rushes, and rocking themselves fre¬
quently at the extreme points, influenced by the wind or
by their own slight weight. They associate in pairs or
families, and occasionally unite in small flocks. They display
great agility in climbing the rushes, among which they live,
but are seldom seen upon the ground. Their flight is
buoyant, and their note, which is often uttered on the wing,
is clear and ringing.

The Bearded Titmouse is, in this country, a bird of very
local distribution, on account of its exclusive attachment to

VOL. II.

o

188

PARID.E.

situations of a peculiar character. It is found only in wet
and marshy localities, abounding in reeds, and affording a
plentiful supply of its peculiar food, namely, small mollusca.
These localities are chiefly the banks of fresh-water rivers ;
but they also abound in some situations where salt water
flows in at every tide, namely, at Erith on the Thames, &c. ;
and Montagu mentions having killed a specimen near Win-
chelsea in Sussex, among the reeds that grow close to the sea¬
shore. By this naturalist the earliest correct accounts of its
habits in this country were given ; to which we shall again
refer. The localities, mentioned by many different authors,
are reedy tracts near Cowbit in Lancashire, and similar situa¬
tions in Gloucestershire ; several of the fresh-water broads in
Norfolk ; large tracts of reeds along the Suffolk coast ; the
skirts of Whittlesea near Huntingdonshire, and the fenny
districts of Lincolnshire ; it is also found near Godaiming in
Surrey, and is said to inhabit the banks of the Thames from
London as far as Oxford. In this latter quarter, as well as
elsewhere, this species appears very locally distributed, as we
know parts of the Thames, many miles in length, where it does
not occur.

The Bearded Titmouse apparently inhabits the same situa¬
tions summer and winter ; and, notwithstanding its delicate
appearance, seems to brave the cold of the chilly and dreary
spots it frequents with impunity ; concealing itself, however,
as well as circumstances will permit. In the Magazine of
Natural History some particulars are recorded, which, as
they embrace many points of the habits of these little birds,
we copy without farther apology. “ I was told,” says a
correspondent of that work, “ that some of these birds had
been seen in a large piece of reeds below Barking Creek ;
and being desirous of observing them in their haunts, I went,
accompanied by a person and a dog, to the above named
place, on a cold and windy morning ; the reed-cutters hav-

BEARDED TITMOUSE.

189

ing commenced their operations, I was fearful of deferring
my visit, lest my game might be driven away. Arrived
on our ground, we traversed it some time without suc¬
cess, and were about to leave it, when our attention was
roused by the alarm cry of the bird. Looking up, we saw
eight or ten of these beautiful creatures on the wing, just
topping the reeds over our heads, uttering, in full chorus,
their forcibly musical note, which resembles the monosyllable
ping ! pronounced at first slow and single, then two or three
times in a more hurried manner, uttered in a clear and ringing,
though soft tone, which well corresponds with the beauty
and delicacy of the bird. Their flights were short and low,
only sufficient to clear the reeds, on the seedy tops of which
they alight to feed, hanging, like most of their tribe, with the
head and back downwards. After some time, we were fortu¬
nate enough to shoot one, a male, in fine plumage. I held it
in my hand when scarcely dead. Nothing could exceed the
beauty of the eye ; the bright orange of the iris, surrounded
by the deep glossy black of the moustaches and streak above,
receives additional brilliancy from the contrast, and struck me
as a masterpiece of colour and neatness.”

The principal food of the Bearded Titmouse consists, as
we are informed by another correspondent of the Magazine of
Natural History, of small shell snails, Succinea amphibia^
&c., with which their crops have been found filled. These
appear to pass into the stomach in a perfect state, where
they undergo the process of decomposition, which is accom¬
plished by the muscular action of the stomach, aided by the
trituration of numerous angular portions of quartz, by which
the minute division of the shells is effected. In addition to
this, we are informed by Mr. Yarrell, that “ the sides of the
stomach are muscular, and much thickened, forming a gizzard,
which the true Titmice do not possess.” They are supposed
also to feed upon many other insects that abound in the aquatic

190

PARID.f:.

localities frequented by tins species, as Avell as upon tlie seeds
of the reed and other water-plants.

The nest of the Bearded Titmouse resembles very much
those of the reed and sedge warbler, and the situation chosen
often accords with that of the latter bird, a circumstance
Avhich probably causes it to be frequently overlooked,
unless when distinguished by the eggs. They are usually
found in the thickest part of the reeds, and are said by some
authors to be suspended between their stems, at the elevation
of several feet from the ground ; Avhile others, perhaps with
more probability, describe them as sustained very little above
the surface of the ground by means of the stalks of grass and
broken reeds, among Avhich they are fastened. In form the
nest is cup-shaped and rather deep, composed of coarse grasses,
and withered leaves of reeds, thickly and warmly lined with
the flowering tops of the latter, intermixed with willow down.
The eggs are also variously described. All authors agree in
the ground colour being white, but in the colour and form of
the markings, their several descriptions differ widely. Mr.
Yarrell speaks of them as “ sparingly marked with pale red
lines and scratches.” Mr. Hoy says, they are “ sprinkled all
■over Avith small purplish-red spots, intermixed with a
few small faint lines and markings of the same colour.”
While Temminck says, they are reddish, with broAvn spots,
which are most numerous on the larger end. We can our-
selv^es add another variety to the list, having received, some
years since, for the use of our quarto Avork, a specimen, from
an ornithological friend in Suffolk, which was pure white,
marked sparingly with fine black hair-like streaks, as repre¬
sented in the accompanying plate.

The task of nidification commences in April ; and the
young birds are on the Aving in the following month. One,
Avhich Avas procured by Montagu, in June, had its nestling
feathers much the colour of those of the female, although of a
looser texture, as in all young birds.

BEARDED TITMOUSE.

191

The geographical distribution of this bird appears far less
extended than that of others of the Paridee. It appears
confined to the temperate parts of Europe ; and Holland, where,
from the nature of the country, it is abundant, is, possibly,
its northern limit. Southward of that country it is found
in some parts of France and Italy. In England it has not
been observed further north than Lancashire, nor does it
appear to be generally known further towards the west than
Gloucestershire.

In several points of structure and habits this species differs
from the other members of the Parus family ; namely, in
the muscular character of the stomach before mentioned,
in its food, and in its aquatic habits. These differences have
caused it to be removed, by some systematic authors, from
among the Parus family, and distinguished by the generic
title of Calamophilus.

The entire length of this species rather exceeds six inches.
The wing, from the carpus to the tip, measures two inches
four lines ; the second, third, fourth, and fifth feathers are
nearly equal in length. The tail extends about two inches
and a quarter beyond the tips of the folded wings ; its feathers
are graduated ; the central pair measure above three inches,
the succeeding pairs shorten by about three lines each, and
the outer pair is, therefore, an inch and a half shorter than
the central one ; these feathers are all rather broad and
pointed, and very delicate in texture. The beak measures
about four lines, the tarsi three quarters of an inch.

The plumage of the adult male is as follows : the fore¬
head, top of the head, and sides of the neck, are delicate
ash-colour; the chin, throat, and upper part of the breast,
pure white : a moustache of intense black occupies the space
between the bill and the eye, and descends down each side
of the face. The back and scapulars are fawn-colour; the
upper tail-coverts, flanks, and thighs the same ; the four

192

PARID.E.

longest feathers of the tail are also fawn-colour ; the rest
rufous-brown, shading into white towards the tips. The
quill-feathers are dusky, edged with white ; the tertials black,
deeply bordered with rust ; the coverts of the wing the same.
The lower part of the breast is tinged with peach blossom, the
middle of the belly white, the vent black : the beak and eyes
are orange, the legs and feet black. In the female the mous¬
tache is white, the head and sides of the neck hair-brown ;
the rest of the upper plumage brownish-fawn ; the head
and middle of the back streaked with dusky along the shafts of
the feathers. The tail is not so long as in the male, but
the rest of the colouring is nearly similar.

The egg of the Bearded Titmouse is figured 82 in the
plate.

i

j

PI. S3

ALPINE ACCENTOR.

193

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIADM.

PLATE LXXXIII.

ALPINE ACCENTOR.

Accentor Alpinus. (Bechstein.)

The Alpine Accentor, as its name implies, inhabits
chiefly mountainous countries, especially the Alps of Switzer¬
land. It is found in some of the most elevated parts of
France and Italy ; and it is to be presumed that it also
may be an inhabitant of many of the mountainous regions
of Asia, as it is known to be a resident in some of the hilly
chains of Japan. Upon the Alps these birds are observed
at all seasons of the year, and chiefly choose the region
where the snow begins to give place to vegetation. In
summer they ascend the loftiest of the Swiss mountains, and
are constantly seen on the St. Bernard, in the vicinity of
the Hospital, at an elevation of about six thousand feet
above the level of the sea. In winter they descend into the
valleys, and in severe weather occasionally frequent farm¬
yards and villages. In manners, the Alpine Accentor is a
staid and quiet bird, and appears not very observant, as it
betrays but little consciousness of the presence of man. In
their native regions these birds may be observed associating
in small parties ; when approached, they only fly to a little
distance, and settle again, or hop away among the stones
upon the ground, in the same manner as the hedge Accentor
conceals itself in our gardens. They are seldom seen to
perch or rest upon trees, but are usually observed to alight
upon rocks, or among piles of stones.

194

SYLVIAD.E.

The call-note of these birds is said to be a close imitation
of the word tree ! tree ! but the song of the male is con¬
sidered very pleasing, and resembles that of the sky-lark and
pipit.

The food of the Alpine Accentor consists of seeds and
berries, and small snails, which they take from the ground
among the stones ; also beetles, ear-wigs, flies, ants’ eggs, &c.
&c. All sorts of grass-seeds also constitute their food during
great part of the year.

The nests of these birds are usually found among rocks
or stones, or under low bushes of Alpine roses, &c., close
to the ground, and covered over by the bushes, or sheltered
by shelving stones, which protect them from rude winds
or unfavourable weather. The nest consists of moss and
flne grasses, and is lined with wool and hair; it is cup¬
shaped, and resembles in form and structure that of our
common species, the hedge chanter ; the eggs also have a
great resemblance to that nearly allied species, being fine
blue-green, without any spots ; they are four or five, and
probably even more in number. These birds are said to
have two broods in the year ; the first of which is hatched
in May, the second in July.

As the habits of the Alpine Accentor confine it, in a
great measure, to mountainous regions, it must necessarily
be locally and partially distributed, and as it is little known
on the western borders of Europe, it is a subject of some
surprise how it should happen that individuals have occa¬
sionally penetrated so far from their natural haunts as to
visit our island ; especially as these birds in their migratory
movements do not appear to seek change of latitude, but
only to consult the variations of temperature that result
from a greater or less elevation above the level of the sea.
Three instances only are recorded of the appearance of this
bird in England ; one of these was shot some years ago in

ALPINUS ACCENTOR.

195

the neighbourhood of Epping Forest, another at Cambridge,
and a third in the garden of the Deanery of Wells.

Although the Alpine Accentor is considered a rare and
accidental visitor with us, yet some may possibly pass unno¬
ticed : should a specimen come under the observation of an
inexperienced observer, it may be detected by these general
characteristics : — In form, this bird is short and rather stout ;
its wings are large, and the breadth of the tail, which is very
conspicuous, would alone enable an ornithologist to detect it.
All the feathers of the tail have a white, or buff-coloured spot
upon their tips : in adult birds the throat is white, with
black crescent-shaped spots : young birds have the throat ash-
colour, without spots. Its habits, as before mentioned,
are terrestrial, and when on the ground it frequently moves
its tail and wings in the manner of the redbreast. This
species is the largest of its family.

The distinguishing characters of the genus Accentor of
Bechstein, are : — bill strong, straight and sharp pointed, the
upper mandible emarginated ; nostrils naked and basal, pierced
in a large membrane : first quill-feather of the wing very
short, the second and third nearly equal.

The measurements of this bird are as follows. Its length
is from six and a half to seven inches from the tip of the beak to
the extremity of the tail. The tail is slightly forked, and the
upper tail-coverts, which are very long, reach to within an
inch of its extremity. The beak is seven lines in length,
and much compressed towards the tip, which is black, while
at the base both mandibles are yellow : the gape and tongue
are also yellow ; the iris is yellowish brown in adult birds,
and cinereous brown in young specimens. The claws are of
moderate length, and rather stout and large, particularly the
hinder, which are much arched, compressed towards the tip
and very sharp. The front of the tarsus is scaled ; the legs
are dingy reddish yellow, the soles and joints of the feet and

196

SYLVIAD.E.

toes brownish ; the young birds have flesh-coloured feet, with
claws of nearly the same hue. The tarsus measures nearly
an inch in length, the middle toe and claw nine lines, and
the hinder about seven lines, of which one half is the claw.

The plumage of the Alpine Accentor is exceedingly close
and soft, and its varied colours are as follows. The adult
male has the head, nape, and sides of the neck, cheeks, and
forehead, brownish ash-colour, the latter tinged with yel¬
lowish brown ; the back and shoulder feathers are dark
brown in their centre, and along their shafts to their tips ;
broadly edged with cinereous ash, which gives place to pale
rust-colour on the scapulars. In some specimens the rump
is reddish ash-colour with dark shaft streaks ; in others plain
grey. The throat and chest are very prettily marked, the
ground-colour being white, bordered beloAv with a black
band, and speckled over with crescent-shaped dusky spots : the
remainder of the chest and breast are soft reddish ash-colour ;
the sides of the breast and flanks fine rush-colour, AAuth loose
whitish edges to the feathers. The rest of the under parts
are white, tinged with yellowish brown, and spotted with darker
brown : the under tail-coverts are dusky, broadly tipped
with wdiite : the lesser wing-coverts are yellowish grey ; the
lower row bordering upon the greater coverts dusky towards
the end, Avith pure Avhite tips ; the larger wing-coverts dusky
Avith yelloAvish ash-coloured edges, and three cornered white
spots on the tips ; — by these feathers two Avhite bands are
formed across the Avings. The tertials are dusky, bordered
Avith rust, and have faded edges ; the secondary quill-feathers
are duller in colour, Avith narroAver edges. The primaries are
dark broAvn, edged Avith rust yelloAv : the tail-feathers are
dusky ash, palest towards the root, all broader at the base
than at the tip ; the feathers individually edged with yellow¬
ish grey, and Avith a rust-coloured spot at the tip. The
under part of the tail is dark ash-colour Avith Avhite tips.
This is their appearance in autumn.

ALPINE ACCENTOR.

197

In the spring plumage there is some difference in the co¬
lours, owing to the wearing away of the edges of the feathers.
The spots on the tip of the tail-feathers are white instead of ru¬
fous ; the feathers of the under parts have lost their white
edges, and therefore appear redder ; the crescent-shaped spots
on the throat and breast are no longer perfect : the upper
parts are of a cleaner ash-colour ; the oblong dark spots on
the back are become more visible ; the white bars on the wings
are much narrower, and partly lost.

The female differs little from the male, but she is ratlier
smaller in size, and her plumage is less bright, less rufous,
more spotted on the under parts, and more grey on the flanks :
the spots on the breast are smaller and paler, and the under
mandible less yellow.

In young birds the back is frequently much tinged with
brown ; the beak is horn-colour, with dingy yellow at the
base : the white edges of the rust-coloured feathers on the
sides of the breast are so broad, that they nearly cover the
principal colouring.

The young birds before the first moult are very different
from the parents, their whole upper parts being ash-colour,
with dusky spots ; the throat and breast have no spots, but
are plain greyish white.

The egg of this bird measures eleven lines in length, and
is rather pointed at the smaller end : in colour it is plain
greenish blue, as represented in the plate, fig. 83.

198

SYLVIAD.E.

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES.

SYLVIAD/E.

PLATE LXXXIV.

HEDGE ACCENTOR.

Accentor modularis.

The Hedge Accentor, commonly called tlie Hedge-
Sparrow, is a very elegantly shaped bird, but on account of
its simple plumage, is not generally noticed by the common
observer ; it is therefore necessary to speak a word in its fa¬
vour, to point out its merits and beauty, in order that it may
not be overlooked. The habits also of this bird tend to conceal
it, although it is one of the most common and constant in¬
habitants of our gardens, and one of the few that enliven and
cheer us with a winter song. Its character is mild and con¬
fiding, and in manners it is sociable, meek, and pleasing, but
somewhat timid. In the tones of its voice we consider that
this pretty chanter rivals, if it does not surpass its associate,
the redbreast, its notes being more round and full, and ut¬
tered in a lower key ; but it is not so well known as a singer,
for while the robin places himself boldly on a conspicuous
branch, and exhibits his orange breast and dilated throat, as
if to challenge our admiration, the quiet Hedge Accentor, hid¬
den among the foliage, sings his sweet but short lay unob¬
served and unknown.

The Hedge Accentor is to be met with in Britain at all
seasons of the year, and in most localities not entirely des¬
titute of trees and hedges. During the summer months this
species visits Norway and Sweden ; and is found generally

P L <3 4

\

HEDGE ACCENTOR.

19.9

tlirougliout tlie temperate parts of Europe, retiring to the
southern parts in winter. These birds are seldom seen but
in pairs ; their chief haunts are low bushes, hedges, and
underwood, orchards, plantations, kitchen gardens, &c. They
keep themselves generally near the ground, and remain in
the vicinity of their birthplace.

The song of this species continues the whole year, with
very little interval ; in the breeding-season it is amplified by
some additions, and in the depth of winter it is not discon¬
tinued ; but on a sunny day, from the covert of a low bush,
its cheerful and pretty song may frequently be heard.

In November, as soon as the leaves are fallen. Hedge
Sparrows begin to be seen upon the ground in numbers, hop¬
ping about the borders in flower-gardens, in busy and un¬
remitting search for their minute food, twitching about, and
turning over the scattered leaves. So quiet are they in the
search, and so close do they keep themselves to the ground,
to whose tints their plumage bears much resemblance, that
the eye is often at fault to detect them.

When caged, the Hedge Accentor still shows a decided
partiality towards terrestrial habits, very commonly roosting
upon the floor of its cage. When it sleeps its legs are much
bent, and its body held in a horizontal position ; when awake
also, its attitude is singularly different from that of most
other small birds, and its manners remarkably quiet and re¬
tiring. The male and female, when caged together, show
gi-eat attachment, constantly sitting and roosting side by side,
and in winter pressing closely to one another. They also
become much attached to companions, even of a different
species. We possessed one, a fine male bird, and an ex¬
cellent singer, which was so much attached to its only com¬
panion, a male redbreast, that on the latter escaping by
accident from the cage, the Hedge Sparrow became dull,
neglected its food, and sat with ruffled feathers, and appeared

200

SYLVIAD.E.

SO drooping and sad, that we thought it necessary to give
the poor solitary its liberty, in order to save its life. To
their human friends these birds also appear grateful and at¬
tached ; we kept a pair one winter in a garden-cage, and not
desiring to prolong their imprisonment, we let them out early
in the spring, as soon as we thought they would be able com¬
fortably to obtain their subsistence. They were no sooner
free than, instead of forsaking us, they commenced building
themselves a nest in a leafless hedge, about two yards from
their former prison.

The food of this species consists of insects and seeds : in
the spring of the year and summer, they feed principally on
the former, such as small beetles, caterpillars, flies, and the
larvse of many insects ; but in autumn and winter they sub¬
sist much on seeds, which they pick up from the ground,
bnt never gather from the trees or plants on which they are
produced, which circumstance speaks greatly in favour of the
harmlessness of this little creature, as well as of its utility in
clearing the ground from thousands of superfluous seeds.
The young birds are invariably fed with insects.

In confinement the Hedge Accentor feeds on rape and
hemp-seed, crumbs of bread, chopped meat, and almost
everything eatable. These birds are easily tamed, and will
live some years, seemingly contented and happy.

The Hedge Sparrow is a very early breeder ; we have
reason to believe it to be the earliest of any of our native
birds. Among our memoranda we have a notice of having-
seen a nest of this species on the 21st of January; and as
late as the 22nd of July we have found one with fresh-laid
eggs in it. The nest of this species is usually placed in a
thick thorn hedge, or bramble, at an elevation of from one
to four feet from the ground. It is usually composed of
green ground-vnoss, intermixed with roots and dry stalks, to
which the moss is attached, and lined with tufts of cow’s hair,

HEDGE ACCENTOR.

201

or knots of woo], and occasionally a few long horse-hairs ;
the nest, when complete, has an unfinished appearance, espe¬
cially on the outside, which is very ragged ; within, however,
it is thickly and warmly lined, the cow’s hair forming an
excellent mattress. We have generally observed that the
materials employed in a Hedge Sparrow’s nest are of a dark
colour, especially the inner lining ; can this be in order to
harmonize the better with the black and dingy colouring of
the young nestlings when first hatched It is remarkable
that the cuckoo, which lays a pale, mottled, greyish-brown
egg, should so often deposit it in the nest of this species,
whose eggs are of so different a character : instinct may teach
the parent cuckoo that her young, when hatched, exhibits a
red gaping mouth, similar to those of the young Hedge
Sparrows, therefore her choice may be a necessary precaution
in the deceit practised upon the duped foster parents. The
nest of this species is in form deep and well rounded, and
the eggs, from five to seven in number, are in shape and
colour as represented in our Plate.

In form the Hedge Accentor is slender and delicate, the
tail long and narrow, and the beak thin and compressed to¬
wards the tip. The colours of the adult male bird are as
follows : the head, neck, and breast are pale slate-colour ;
the cheeks are tinged with dusky, and the feathers have
white shaft streaks ; the top of the head, and nape of the
neck are tinged with brown. The upper part of the back
and the shoulder feathers are light reddish-brown, with dusky
spots in the centre of each feather, giving a tessellated appear¬
ance ; the rump and upper coverts yellowish-brown. The
throat is of a paler grey than the head, and the middle of the
belly dingy white ; the flanks are yellowish-grey, with long
brown streaks, darkest about the thighs ; the under tail-
coverts are yellowish-white, with a dusky lancet-shaped streak.
The wings resemble in colour the back, the feathers being

202

SYLVIAD^.

dusky, edged with reddish-brown ; the Jarger wing-coverts
are tipped with white, which forms a band across the wings.
The tail-feathers are dark greyish-brown, with paler edges ;
the under wing and tail-feathers are brownish-grey, the under
coverts slate-colour.

The male and female differ very little in plumage ; but the
latter is always rather less in size, the colour of the head
paler, and the back tinged with grey. In adult birds of both
sexes the iris is brownish-red ; the beak dusky, the corners
of the mouth dirty yellow ; the gape and tongue yellow ; the
tarsi thin and delicate, the claws sharp, and dusky in co¬
lour ; the legs and feet are reddish-brown. The moult takes
place in July or August.

The young, before their autumnal moult, are very different
from the adult birds ; over the eye is a pale yellowish-grey
streak ; the top of the head is deep yellowish-grey, the back
of the neck dingy brownish-yellow, spotted with black ; the
entire back and shoulders yellowish-brown, with black oval
spots ; the rump yellowish-grey ; the throat is dirty yel¬
lowish-white ; the cheeks dull rust-yellow, mixed with grey ;
the upper part of the breast and flanks are dark rust-yellow,
with black oval spots ; the middle of the breast and belly
dirty white ; each feather greyish-yellow towards the shafts.
The under tail-coverts are rust yellow, with blackish shaft-
streaks ; the wings and tail are as in the adult, except that
the tips of the greater coverts are rust yellow instead of
white, and the lesser coverts are also tipped with the same.
The iris is at first dusky, and afterwards brownish-red ; the
beak is ash-brown on the upper mandible, yellowish below,
the throat and tongue orange, the corners of the mouth
red.

The length of the Hedge Accentor is about five inches
and three-quarters. The beak measures about five lines, and
tapers from the base to the tip ; the wing measures, from the

82 ,

83 .

84

HEDGE ACCENTOR.

203

carpus to the tip two inches nine lines, and the third, fourth,
and fifth quill-feathers are nearly equal in length. The hind
claw in this species, as well as in the preceding, is large and
arched.

The egg of the Hedge Accentor is figured 84 in the
Plate.

VOL. II.

p

204

MOTA€ILLID;E.

INSESSORES. MOTACILLIDM.

DENTIROSTRES.

PLATE LXXXV.

PIED WAGTAIL.

Motacilla lotor. (^Rennie.)

Of this elegant and pleasing group, four species only were,
until lately, considered as British ; three of these are com¬
mon and well known, and the fourth so scarce as only to be
looked upon as a straggler, or visitor of rare occurrence.
Recently a fifth species has been added to the list, of which
we shall speak hereafter.

The species, at present under consideration, is the most
common and generally dilFused of all, and everywhere to be
found in localities of an open character, where meadow land
prevails, or where wide heaths and open moors extend, espe¬
cially in the vicinity of water ; they principally delight in
spots where the shortness of the herbage enables them to run
with facility. The pleasure these birds take in close kept
herbage may be observed whenever a lawn is freshly mown ;
immediately these pretty creatures are seen skimming over
the hedge, or boundary, and alighting upon its level sur¬
face, where they run along, with steps so rapid that the eye
cannot follow their quick succession ; pecking at intervals with
lively gaiety, and constantly moving their long and slender
tails ; if disturbed, they spring up with a shrill and delicate
cry, and bounding along to a little distance, with an undu¬
lating motion, presently alight again. They are also very fond
of the pebbly banks of rivers, along which they seek their

FIEB WAGTAIL.

SOo

food ; and they may frequently be seen in summer bathing
and washing themselves upon a shallow shore.

This bird, although constantly resident in Britain, and not
generally considered of a migratory disposition, evidently
changes its station at different times, and after a jieriodical
absence returns again. It may be observed in gardens, and
grass fields, in summer and in the early part of autumn, in
considerable numbers, probably several families together ;
while, in the same places, in winter, few or none are to be
seen, notwithstanding the usual enticement of fresh-mown
lawns.

This species, as far as the subject has at present been in¬
vestigated, appears restricted to a limited range, including
chiefly Norway, Sweden, and the British Isles ; and it is
occasionally seen in the north of Prance. In the two first
mentioned countries it is, doubtless, only a summer visitor ;
as it does not even brave the cold of the northern counties of
England, in the winter season, but retreats from those parts
in autumn towards the south.

We have ourselves long suspected that the migrations of
the Pied Wagtail were more decided and extensive than the
commonly received opinion warrants ; and our suspicions
have been most agreeably confirmed, by an account that ap¬
peared in the fifth No. of “ The Zoologist” for May last.

We hope we may consider ourselves at liberty to trans¬
cribe a considerable part of the communication, which, we
believe has not yet been noticed in any work, professedly upon
British Birds. It is from the pen of A. E. Knox, Esq.

“ The Pied Wagtail arrives from the Continent, on the
shores of Sussex, about the middle of March. Although
several remain with us during the winter, these bear but a
small proportion to the number that visit us in the spring.
On fine days during this month, with a gentle breeze from the
south, I have frequently seen them, on different parts of the

MOTACILLID.E.

20()

coast, flying directly from the south, and from such a distance
at sea as, at first, to be scarcely perceptible ; gradually,
however, becoming more distinct, until they alighted near me
on the open shore, sometimes singly, and at other times in
small parties.

“ The fields, in the neighbourhood of the coast, where but
a short time before scarcely an individual was to be found,
are soon tenanted by numbers of this species ; and for several
days they continue dropping on the shores in detached parties.
The old male birds arrive first, presenting the beautiful jet
black and pime white plumage of the breeding season ; while
the females, and the males of the preceding year, which re¬
semble the females, the plumage on the back being of an
iron grey, do not make their appearance until a few days
afterwards. It may be observed that the white on the fore¬
head and cheeks of these newly arrived birds is much more
pure at this time than in those which winter in England,
and altogether they have a fresher, and, as it were, a cleaner
appearance than they themselves present, a short time after
their arrival in this country.

“ Some of the old males appear to have paired before their
departure from the Continent ; for after alighting on the
shore, they exhibit many signs of restlessness and anxiety ;
performing short flights, and incessantly calling for their
mates.

“ It is worthy of remark that those Pied Wagtails which
remain with us during the wdnter, do not assume the summer
garb at so early a period as their travelled brethren ; indeed,
on the arrival of the latter, who invariably make their appear¬
ance in the full breeding plumage, the former have but par¬
tially commenced the change, a few black patches beginning
to appear on the throat, and the light grey of the back being
varied with occasional feathers of a darker hue. In about a
fortnight afterwards this assumption of the breeding plumage

PIED WAGTAIL.

207

is complete ; and at the expiration of that time, the Pied
Wagtails which have arrived from the Continent, and those
which have remained in England during the winter, present
the same appearance.

“ After remaining in the neighbourhood of the coast for a
few days, these birds proceed inland in a northern direction ;
and any practical observer of birds, in the interior of the
country, may perceive how much more numerous they sud¬
denly become at this period. There is scarcely a pool,
road-side ditch, or village horse-jjond, where they may not be
seen in pairs ; and in districts where, but a week before, the
species was but thinly distributed.

“ These birds pair early and moult soon, having completed
the change at the end of July, or early in August. The
black feathers gradually disappear from the throat in both
sexes, and the dorsal plumage becomes of a lighter colour in
each ; the back of the male assuming the grey of the female,
during the breeding season ; while that of the female, and the
young of the year in both sexes, changes to a very light grey.
Indeed, between the two latter there is no external differ¬
ence of appearance.

“About the middle of August the Pied Wagtails commence
their return towards the sea-coast, and now first appear to be
gregarious in their habits. At this season I have noticed
them in considerable numbers on village commons, and
similar localities in the interior of the country, where they
remain but a few days, and then proceed to the south.

“At the latter end of the month, or the beginning of
September, they may be seen near the sea, in flocks of from
thirty to forty, flying invariably from west to east, parallel
with the shore, and following each other in constant succes¬
sion. These flights continue from daylight until about ten
o’clock in the forenoon ; and it is a remarkable fact, that so
steadily do they pursue this course, and so pertinacious are

208

MOTACILLID.®:.

they in adhering to it, that even a shot, fired at an advancing
party, and the death of more than one individual, cannot in¬
duce the remainder to fly in a diflferent direction ; for after
opening to the right and left, their ranks again close, and the
progi-ess towards the east is resumed as before.

“ I have observed that their proximity to the shore, during
this transit from west to east, seems to depend, in some
degree, upon the character and extent of the country inter¬
vening between the downs and the sea. For instance, in the
more western parts of the country, between Chichester and
Worthing, where a flat, maritime district, of considerable
extent and in a high state of cultivation, lies between the
hills and the sea, the flocks appear to be less numerous, or
rather more scattered, and occur at greater distances from the
coast than in the neighbourhood of Brighton, where the
downs approach close to the shore, and where the flocks
appear to become more concentrated.

“ I am acquainted with a good practical observer, who informs
me that, in the neighbourhood of Brighton, he has seen
upwards of a thousand pass in a single morning. The same
person has witnessed, as well as myself, the arrival of these
birds from the Continent, in March, on the open coast near
Hove, between Brighton and Shoreham.

It is certain that these birds never retrace their course in
a westerly direction ; and that, from this period, throughout
the entire country the species continues to be comparatively
but sparingly distributed, until augmented by fresh arrivals
from the Continent, in the warm days of the ensuing spring.”

The fact of the migration of this species appears to have
been recognised formerly, (since Bewick mentions that it is
believed to migrate towards southern climates in October) and
to have been since lost sight of. Even Montagu, although
he states that in winter, in severe weather, they congregate in
marshes, subject to the flow of the tide, where they may be

PIED WAGTAIL.

209

seen on the southern coast, when none are to be observed
inland, does not seem to have had any suspicion that they
went still farther.

Notwithstanding the migration in autumn of this species
in numbers, as above described, many yet remain behind. At
the present season, the middle of December, we have observed
flocks of eight or ten fly towards the south-west, just before
dark in the evening, not one flock alone, but so many that
the aggregate must amount to several hundred individuals.
These all fly at an elevation just above gun shot ; and
although being desirous of obtaining specimens, we walked
some miles along the bank of the Thames for that purpose,
not one specimen was to be met with, either on the ground or
within the range of a gun. Whether these are now on their
way to join their migrating brethren, and have stayed to this
late period, in consequence of the unusual mildness of the
season, or intend to pass the winter in these latitudes, future
observation must decide.

Towards the end of February, Pied Wagtails may be seen
flying in pairs, having by that time chosen their mates for
the summer. Some differences of opinion seem to prevail
with regard to the plumage of the two sexes of this species at
different seasons, some authors describing the female to have
her back dark slate-grey, or grey mottled with black, and attri¬
buting to the Motacilla alba of Linneus alone, the pure grey-
back, Our opinion on the subject rather differs from this,
and an observation recorded some time ago in our own note¬
book, will, we believe, be found frequently correct, “ Feb.
25, saw two Pied Wagtails flying together in pursuit from
tree to tree, evidently a pair : one had the head and back
perfectly black, of an uniform colour ; the head and nape
only of the other were black, the back clear, pale ash-grey.
These birds, it may fairly be presumed, were about the same
age ; why then does the back of the one become darker, and
that of the other lighter in the spring season

210

MOTACILLID.E.

The Pied Wagtail produces its first brood early, and
consequently a second or late brood is frequently found.

The courting scenes in which the male endeavours to ad¬
vance his suit with his chosen mate, are exceedingly amusing.
The male stands before the object of his affection with ac¬
tions expressive of the deepest humility and reverence, alter¬
nately raising his head, and then bowing until his little beah
touches the ground ; from time to time, spreading his tail
like a fan, and drooping his wings ; these actions we have
seen continued uninterruptedly for the space of a quarter of
an hour. Meanwhile, the object of these tender attentions
stands at the distance of about half a yard, apparently lis¬
tening wdth maiden coyness and looks half averted, an atten¬
tive and admiring spectator.

The nest of this species is sometimes placed upon the
ground beside a tuft of grass, or beneath the shelter of low
herbage, sometimes in a hole in a pollard tree, or a crevice
in an old wall. It is in all cases well bedded in the surface
in which it is placed. W e have found it in the middle of a
turnip field, hidden among the spreading leaves. Advan¬
tage is taken in most cases of a convenient depression in the
surface of the ground, in which the nest is constructed as
in a cup, the inner part only being visible, and the upper
edge of the nest on a level with the earth. We have also
taken the nest and eggs of this species from the crotvn of a
pollard willow by the side of the Thames, at an elevation of
about eight ’feet from the ground. The nest was placed in
a cavernous recess among the stumps. It was chiefly com¬
posed of dry skeleton leaves intermixed with the more usual
materials.

The parent bird is extremely solicitous for her young or
eggs, and will suffer herself almost to be taken off the nest
before she makes any effort to leave them. When com¬
pelled to leave her nest, she retreats to but little distance.

PIED WAGTAIL.

211

and alighting upon a railing or clod of earth, watches it
with jealous attention ; and presently, when the danger is
past, with one or two efforts of her springing flight she is
returned again.

The nest of this species is a very thick, close, and elastic
structure, composed of a great quantity of fibrous roots and
stalks of grasses, intermixed with tufts of vegetable down,
and the hair or fur of animals, and sometimes a few large
feathers : these feathers are not used as a lining, but on close
investigation may be seen in the interior of the vegetable
wall. The inside is thickly lined with thistle down ; and
lastly with hair, ehiefly that of the cow. When complete,
the nest is capacious and rather shallow ; the eggs are five
or six in number, and of a long oval form : the gi-ound-co-
lour is delicate bluish-white, tinged occasionally with a yel¬
lowish or greenish hue, and sprinkled over with pale grey
and dusky spots ; these are usually scattered equally over
the whole surface, but in some specimens they are found con¬
fined to a zone around the larger end : an egg thus marked
is represented in the accompanying Plate, fig. 85.

After they leave the nest, the young birds of this species
remain with their parents during the rest of the summer and
autumn ; and from the disparity of their plumage may rea¬
dily be distinguished.

When they first begin to run about, their plumage ex¬
hibits none of the black marking that distinguishes the adult,
and the white portions are obscured by a greyish tinge, the
crescent upon the breast, which later in the season is well
defined, is at this time only indicated by a few dark featheis
which appear upon the greyish-white breast.

After the autumnal moult the colours become more dis-
tinet, and the crescent upon the breast is black ; still no
black appears either upon the head or back, which remain of
one equal tint of ash-colour, in some specimens strongly tinged

212

MOTACILLID.E.

with green ; the head darkens by degrees, and the forehead
becomes of a dirty yellowish-Avhite.

Great changes yet remain to be effected before the spring
plumage is attained. These changes used to be attributed
to the actual shedding and renewing of the feathers in spring,
as Avell as in autumn ; but later observations appear to con¬
tradict this supposition, and we are assured by Mr. Yarrell,
that these changes of colour take place in the feather itself ;
and, consequently, that the Wagtail is subject only to a
single and not a double moult.

The entire length of the Pied Wagtail is seven inches and
a half. The beak from the tip to the forehead measures five
lines. The wing from the carpus to the tip is nearly three
inches and a half. The tail-feathers measure three inches
and three quarters, and extend two and a half inches beyond
the tips of the folded wings. The tarsus measures eleven
lines, and the expanse of the foot, from the tip of the hinder
to that of the middle claw, one inch and four lines. In
this species Avhen the wing is closed, the first, second, and
third quill-feathers, and the tip of the longest tertial, are of
equal length. The twelve feathers of the tail are nearly
equal in length ; the central pair, although the broadest at
the base, are much narrowed towards the tip : the upper tail
coverts are very long, covering nearly half the tail.

The female of this species is half an inch less in entire
length, and all other measurements in proportion.

The adult male in winter plumage, as represented in the
loAver figure of Plate 85, from a specimen shot in December,
is as follows : — crown of the head and nape, crescent upon the
breast, rump, and upper tail-coverts, and the eight middle
feathers of the tail, perfect inky black : the head and rump
with purple reflections. The back and scapulars are also
black, but the feathers in the middle of the back broadly
fringed with hoary ash, slightly tinged with green. The

85.

86,

87-

89

PIED WAGTAIL.

213

quill -featliers are black, narro-wly edged with white ; the
tertials and the two lower rows of wing-coverts are also
black, broadly edged with pure white ; the lesser wing-coverts
are entirely black. The flanks are slate-colour, softened
into the white of the belly : the forehead is white, also the
space around the eyes, the ear-coverts, the chin, and upper
part of the breast ; all the under parts below the black crescent
are also white. The two outer tail-feathers on each side are
white, except a portion of the inner web towards the base,
which is occupied by a wedge-shaped black mark. The beak,
legs, and feet are black, the iris very deep brown, appearing
almost black.

The summer plumage of the adult male has less white
than in winter : the white edges on the quill-feathers have
disappeared, and the edges of the tertials and coverts are
narrower. The back is entirely black, and the black cres¬
cent has extended itself upwards to the chin. A narrow
white band borders the side of the breast, but does not
extend so far as to divide the black head from the crescent,
which are always in this species united in mature plumage.

The female differs from the male chiefly in the colour of
her back and scapulars, which are never black, but pale ash-
grey, and her quill-feathers incline to dusky.

The food of this species is various ; in summer it consists
of winged insects which they find among the grass, or spring
after as they rise from it ; they also frequent the shallow
borders of rivers for the small fry of fish, which they catch
with great dexterity ; besides which they feed upon some
species of water limpet, fragments of which may be found in
their stomachs.

The upper figure in Plate 85 represents an adult female in
summer plumage.

214

MOTACILLID.E.

hySESSOBES.

DENTIROSTRES. MOTACILLIDJE.

PLATE LXXXVI.

GREY WAGTAIL.

Motacilla boarula. {Linn.)

The Grey Wagtail, which may readily, and at any dis¬
tance be distinguished from all its British congeners by the
greater length of its tail, is far less abundant in this country
than the preceding species. In its manners it much resembles
the pied-wagtail, but is even more light and elegant in its
actions, as well as more beautiful in its plumage. It appears,
also, more decidedly a frequenter of river sides, at least such
are its habits in winter, at which season these birds are found
with tolerable frequency on the banks of the Thames and
its tributary streams, Avhere they may be seen standing upon
the clods of turf, or little islets of shingle that appear above
the rippling water, or Avading into the stream in search of
food. Their flight is remarkably light, OAving to their slender
forms and lengthened tails. These birds are considered
to be permanent residents in this country, without migrating
to or from it, and such is probably the truth. Yet limited
migrations from north to south take place, and it is the
general impression that this species inhabits chiefly the
northern parts of England in the summer, and the southern
parts in the Avinter ; but this, although probably true of the
greater number, does not apply to all, as instances have been
frequently recorded of its remaining during summer in the

PL. 86 .

GREY WAGTAIL,

215

most southern counties to breed. If we may hazard an
opinion on the subject, in support of which we can at present
offer no proof, it is, that when this species appears in spring
to retire from the south, it does not leave us on so distant
a journey as is usually supposed, but on abandoning the low
and sheltered river sides, where it has passed the winter,
it only retreats to upland and hilly, or more wild and unfre¬
quented spots, where it can in greater safety rear its young.
A communication which appeared in a late number of the
“ Zoologist,” from the pen of J. Heppenstall, Esq., of
Upperthorpe, near Sheffield, seems to confirm this suppo¬
sition. “ The Grey Wagtail, (Tf. hoarula^y says that gen¬
tleman, “ resides with us all the year ; in the winter season
it is to be found along every brook, and even on the banks
of the rivers Sheaf and Don, in the middle of our populous
town, then, of course, in its plainer plumage. In the begin¬
ning of April it acquires its black throat, and then retires
to the margins of the mountain streams on the adjacent
moors, to breed.” We have this species in tolerable plenty
on the banks of the Thames that border Surrey and Mid¬
dlesex, in autumn, as early as the middle of September, but
never met with one in its summer garb, although nests
and eggs that we believe to belong to this species have been
brought to us.

The food of this Wagtail consists of various insects, such
as flies and other winged inhabitants of grassy river sides,
small water beetles, &c., and the minute mollusca that abound
in such situations.

The nest of the Grey Wagtail is placed usually upon the
ground, and is composed of fine grasses and fibrous roots,
with a few feathers, and lined with a great quantity of the
hair of cows and other animals, as well as horse-hair, which
latter material forms the innermost, or true lining of the
nest. The eggs, five or six in number, are of a short, oval

216

MOTACILLID.E.

form, the shell thin and not mueh polished, measuring about
eight lines by six and a half ; they are yellowish stone colour
in the ground, equally sprinkled over the whole surface with
pale rufous-brown and ash-grey spots. Some specimens, as
the one figured in the Plate, are nearly plain yellowish-brown,
sometimes approaching to cream-white.

The Grey W agtail has an extensive range over the Euro¬
pean and Asiatic continents, being found as far as Japan, and
the isles of Sumatra and Java. It inhabits also Switzerland,
Italy, and Spain, and is found, according to Mr. Drummond,
in the island of Corfu in winter, but is considered rare.

The entire length of this species is seven inches five lines.
The wing, from the carpus to the tip, measures three inches,
and the tail extends two inches and a half beyond the tips of
the folded wings. The tarsi measure nine lines, and the
expanse of the foot is one inch and one line. The feet are
small in proportion to the size of the bird, and the hinder
claw measures only two lines, very little exceeding that of
the middle toe. The beak is rather long and slender, mea¬
suring five lines from the forehead to the tip, and eight lines
from the tip to the gape. The tail-feathers are of equal
length ; the tertials are very long and pointed, and the largest
passes beyond the tips of the quill-feathers when the wing
is closed ; the three first quill-feathers are nearly equal in
length.

The plumage of the adult male in summer is as follows : —
the forehead, crown of the head, nape, ear-coverts, back, and
scapulars, fine bluish-grey ; a streak of darker grey com¬
mences at the base of the beak, and passes through the eye
towards the nape, and a white streak passes above and below
it. The chin and throat are intense black, bounded on the
exterior edge by a band of white, which commences at the
base of the lower mandible, and extends nearly to the middle
of the breast. The rest of the under parts, together with the

GREY WAGTAIL.

lower part of the back, are fine golden or ranunculus-yellow ;
the upper tail-coverts yellow, tinged with olive. The quill-
feathers of the wings, and the greater and lesser coverts of the
same are dusky, bordered with a paler tint of dusky-grey ;
the secondaries and tertials are dusky, inclining to black, with
white borders along the outer web. The six middle feathers
of the tail are dusky-black, slightly bordered towards the
base with yellow; the outer feather on each side is white,
the two next the same, except a narrow border of black upon
the outer web, towards the base. The beak is dusky, the
edges of the mandibles paler ; the iris is dusky ; the legs
and feet flesh-colour.

The above is the dress of the adult male in the short
period of the breeding season. At the autumnal moult, the
black feathers of the throat are exchanged for white, and
the upper part of the breast is tinged with rufous ; the bright
yellow feathers of the breast, belly, and flanks give place to
white, clouded with pale sulphur. As spring advances, the
under parts become richer in colour, and the basal parts
of the throat-feathers become black ; this colour gradually
encroaches upon the white until it again occupies the whole
feather.

The colours of the female are paler and less clean than
those of the male, and she is believed not to attain the
black throat until after the lapse of several years. The
young birds in autumn much resemble the adult at that
season. Nestlings, before the first autumnal moult, have
the grey of the back strongly tinged with olive, and the
streak over the eye indistinct and soiled with yellow.

The upper figure in Plate 86 represents an adult male in
the breeding season ; the lower figure the same, after the
autumnal moult, from a specimen shot on the Thames, to¬
wards the end of September.

The egg figured 86 is that of the Grey Wagtail.

MOTACILLID.E.

gl8

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES.

MOJACILLIDM.

PLATE LXXXVIL

RAY’S YELLOW WAGTAIL.

Motacilla Rayi.

This lively species is a well-known summer visitor to this
country, which appears to be the most northern limit of its
migration. It arrives in England about the middle of April,
and departs from thence southward as early as September.
Its migration northward is more limited than that of the
former species, seldom penetrating into Scotland, nor to
much extent into Ireland. Its course, when leaving this
country, which it does in small flocks, appears to be di¬
rected due south, which may account for its being unknown
on the European continent. Montagu speaks of this spe¬
cies as “ said to be ” an inhabitant of Siberia and Russia
in summer ; but probably the M. citreola of Pallas has been
thereby intended, since Temminck does not acknowledge it
as a continental species.

The Yellow Wagtail appears to frequent the water rather
less than the other species of this family, and is more fre¬
quently seen in upland fields or walking over the furrows
of newly-ploughed land. These birds, however, frequently
appear in company with the Pied species on lawns and
in gardens, exhibiting the same manners. They are usu¬
ally seen in pairs, or in autumn in small families, and show
a strong attachment to one another. A remarkable instance

I

ray’s yellow wagtail.

219

of this once occurred to me. Being on the Thames one
clay, early in May, I saw a pair of Yellow Wagtails on
the bank of the river. Observing that they were very close
together, and being, at the time, in want of specimens, I
fired, and winged one of them. The other bird, although
apparently much frightened, remained hovering over its
mate that lay on the grass, and touched it with its little
feet and beak repeatedly. I was much grieved at having
deprived the little creature of its mate, and as it would
not be driven away, I loaded my gun again and shot the
second bird on the wing, which fell close by its companion.
The plumage of these two birds was very nearly similar
when seen at a distance, but, on examination, the yellow
underparts of the female were not so rich in colour, and
the streak over the eye and the chin nearly white ; the
breast was strongly tinged with ochre, and the crown of
the head and nape were bistre. Earlier in the spring, we
have observed still more difference in the plumage of the
two sexes.

An adult male, shot the dtli of July, had the following
plumage. The top of the head and nape, the back and
scapulars, and the upper coverts of the tail, olive, tinged
with yellow ; the cheeks the same. The forehead, a streak
over the eye, and all the under parts rich golden yellow.
The bill, orbits, and legs, black ; the claws exceedingly
slender. (This specimen had the crown of the head grey¬
ish-white, from the wearing away of the feathers ; it was
moulting.) The under surfaces of the wings were hoary.
The two outer tail-feathers on each side are white, except
a portion of the inner web in a slanting direction, so that
when the tail is spread they appear quite white. The
rest of the tail-feathers are blackish-brown, slightly edged
towards the root with yellow. The wings hair-brown, all
the feathers slightly edged with yellowish-white. The en-

yol. ti.

Q

220

MOTACILLID-E.

tire length of this specimen was six and a half inches.
The wing, from the cai-pus to the tip, is three inches ; and
the tail extends beyond it one inch and three quarters.
The first three quill-feathers are of equal length, and the
longest tertial exceeds them by about a line ; the beak
is five and a half lines from the forehead to the tip, very
slender and slightly bearded ; the tarsus measures ten lines,
the middle toe nine lines ; the claw of the hinder toe is
long and nearly straight, measiu’ing five lines.

The young birds of the year, in autumn, differ greatly
from the adult. Their upper parts are strongly tinged with
olive-brown. The chin is nearly white, the eye-streak
rufous-white, the breast darker rufous, or ochre-yellow, and
the underparts very pale and dirty yellowish-white. The
wings and tail as in the adult.

This species is the Motacilla Jiava of our countryman
Ray, who first described it, but not the M. Jiava of the
Continent.

The nest of the Yellow Wagtail is usually built upon
the ground, sometimes placed a little above it in an osier
stump, or similar elevation. It is found in various locali¬
ties, in open situations of meadow or moorland, and we
have also met with it in islands upon the Thames occu¬
pied as osier grounds, in which places the species appears
to abound. The nest is constructed of fine dry grass and
fibrous roots, lined with the hair of horses and cows. One
of our specimens is composed almost entirely of green
moss, with a few tufts of grass outside, and one or two
long horsehairs within. The eggs are usually of a long,
oval form, about eight lines and a half long : the ground
colour greenish-white, thickly freckled over with ash-grey
and pale rufous-brown. Some specimens are nearly plain
rich ochre, slightly marbled ; such are usually smaller in size.

The egg figured 87 is that of the Yellow Wagtail of Ray.

I

V

I

}

P1.8Q.

WHITE WAGTAIL.

221

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES.

MOTACILLIDM.

PLATE LXXXVIII.

WHITE WAGTAIL.

Motacilla lotor. {Rennie.')

While enumerating the several kinds of Wagtails that are
found in this country, we mentioned, in page 204, that a
fifth species, new to British ornithology, had recently been
added to the list. This species is the Motacilla alba of
Linn., the common Black and White Wagtail of the
Continent of Europe. Although long suspected to inhabit
this country, the existence of the species in England was not
ascertained until Mr. Bond of Kingsbury, in May 1841,
procured some specimens on the banks of a reservoir near
that place. Since that time, many individuals have been
observed and procured. We ourselves suspected, many years
ago, that more than one species of Pied Wagtail inhabited
this country, having observed that those which frequented
walls, parapets, and roofs of barns, etc., and road-sides in
high situations, differed in appearance from such as are
commonly seen by the river-side. In pursuance of this
inquiry, we procured several specimens, varying much in
appearance, and sent them to an ornithological friend for
examination. These, however, proved, or were supposed
to be the common pied-wagtail of England, in different
states of age and sex. The attention of naturalists was, how¬
ever, awakened to the subject, and the result has been, as

a 2

MOTACILLID.E,

above stated, the discovery of tlie continental MotaciUa alba,
as an inhabitant of this country.

The White Wagtail occupies throughout the European
Continent the place filled here by the pied species, and
much resembles it in habits and manners. In summer,
it is to be met with all over Europe, from Iceland, Sweden,
and Norway, dowm to the most southern parts, and is found
also in the northern parts of Asia. These birds are migra¬
tory in their habits, and appear to absent themselves from
most European countries for a period, during severe weather.
Mr. Drummond, in a list of the birds that frequent the
island of Crete, mentions that a few specimens of the M.
alba were seen at the end of April, after which they disap¬
peared. These were, doubtless, on their passage from Africa
to Europe. In Corfu, we are informed, by the same gen¬
tleman, that these Wagtails are most numerous in winter,
when they may be seen in large flocks, frequenting the
marshes, and disappear in summer.

On the Continent of Europe the White Wagtail is found
in all situations of a moderately level character, inhabiting
fields and cultivated parts, as well as heaths and moors.
It frequents roadsides and open spaces in villages and towms,
and delights to run upon the tops of low buildings, walls,
and bridges, and to perch upon stacks of v^^ood, or piles
of stones. Like our more common species, they also follow
the husbandman in his various field occupations of ploughing
and harrowing, etc., for the sake of the small insects that are
turned up by the stirring of the soil. They are found upon
or near the sea-coast, as well as in more inland parts, upon
the banks of rivers, as well as in countries of a more dry and
elevated character. These birds roost among the branches
of low trees, such as pollard willows and brushwood, and
also among rushes and reeds, and are frequently observed
to congregate together, with considerable clamour, in some

WHITE WAGTAIL.

cliosen spot of this description, 'whither they appear to resort
from the country around.

On the Continent of Europe, in similar latitudes with our
own, they arrive in March and April from their winter quar¬
ters, and roost among reeds, as before mentioned, assembling
soon after sunset and dispersing at daybreak.

As soon as the willow-trees are in leaf they resort to them
as a matter of course, and continue to frequent them during
the breeding-season, and roost in such as overhang the watery
bank on which the nest is placed.

The young birds accompany the parents in their flights
during the summer, and migrate with them in autumn.
Before their departure they may be seen in small parties
flying together, and pursuing one another with graceful and
quick movements.

In its general character, the White Wagtail is restless
and active, social in its habits, and consequently everywhere
well known. From the first dawn of morning till dark they
are constantly in motion, and, although they have consider¬
able exercise in providing food, they still further employ
their activity in chasing one another, and frequently join
other small birds in pursuing and driving oflT birds of prey.
On the ground they run at an indescribably swift pace, and,
considering that they nod with their heads at each step, the
bodily exercise of these birds is wonderful. Their flight
is in long arches, and performed in about mid-elevation.

The food of the White Wagtail consists of various kinds
of insects and their larvae, which they readily obtain in all
the different situations they frequent, either among the stones
on the banks of rivers, or upon green water weeds, on the
roofs of buildings, or in ploughed fields.

The nest of this bird is differently situated, according to
existing circumstances ; it generally occupies a hole, but
shelter appears to be more sought after than concealment,

224

MOTACILLTD.E.

as the grasses and other materials frequently straggle out.
It is often found in a hole in a tree, sometimes high in
the stem and sometimes low, or among the roots that have
become exposed by water-courses, in heaps of stones, or
among felled timber. Occasionally, the nest of this bird
is found under the eaves of a roof among the timbers, or
in a straw thatch. Both male and female assist at the con¬
struction of the nest, the foundation of which consists chiefly
of dry sticks, roots of grasses and straw, and dried leaves,
intermixed with green moss ; the second layer of finer ma¬
terials of the same kind, lined with wool, cow, or horse-hair,
Avhich serve as a finish, and complete the nicely-rounded cup.
The eggs are similar in size and form to those of our common
pied-wagtail, being very blunt at one end and pointed at the
other. The shell is very smooth, but without polish. The
ground-colour is bluish-white, more or less obscured by small
grey specks ; the eggs are, besides, speckled, and marked with
very fine chocolate-coloured spots, chiefly at the larger end. and
sometimes forming a zone. Six or seven are the usual number.

The young make their appearance in a fortnight, and are
at first covered with a black down, with pink legs and beak,
and yellow corners to the mouth.

These birds have generally two broods in the year, and in
a mild spring they have eggs as early as the middle of April.

The dimensions of this species differ so little from those of
the common pied-wagtail of England, that no specific distinc¬
tion has been established from them. Diflhrence enough,
however, exists in the tints of the plumage and distribution
of the colours, to justify the distinction recognised between
them. One variation of form we suggest, which may prove,
if permanent, a generic distinction, namely, that the tertials
in this species are not quite so long in proportion as in the
Motacilla lotor.

The dimensions of the White Wagtail are as follows

WHITE WAGTAIL.

225

Entire length, seven inches and a quarter. The wing, from
the carpus to the tip, measures three inches one line ; and
the tail two inches eleven lines, two inches of which extend
beyond the tips of the folded wings. The beak measures
four lines and a half from the forehead to the tip, it is very
slender, and strongly notched ; the nostrils are oval. The
first, second, and third quill-feathers are nearly equal in
length, the second rather exceeding the rest. The tarsi mea¬
sure ten lines, the middle toe nine : the legs and feet are
small and slender, and the claws very sharp.

In adult summer-plumage the male of this species has the
forehead, cheeks, sides of the neck, and under plumage, pure
white ; the crown of the head and nape black ; the throat is
also black, but the black of this part is isolated, and does not
at any period unite with the black of the head and nape ; the
back and scapulars are pale ash-colour. The eight central
feathers of the tail are black, as well as the upper coverts of
the same : the under tail-coverts are pure white. The quill-
feathers of the wing are black, narrowly edged with white ;
the tertials and coverts of the wing the same, with broader
white edges. The sides of the breast and flanks ash-grey ;
the iris, beak, and legs, are black. The female differs only
in the tints of her plumage, which are less clear and full.

In winter-plumage the throat becomes white, and only a
crescent of black is left upon the breast. The corners of this
crescent are not so far extended as in our common pied
species, and never unite with the black of the nape ; the grey
of the upper parts is paler in colour.

The young birds have the same plumage as the immature
of the pied-wagtail, and complete their perfect feathering by
undergoing similar changes.

226

MOTACIHilD^.

INSESSOEES. MOTACILLIDM.

DENTIROSTRES.

PLATE LXXXIX.

GREY-HEADED WAGTAIL.

Motacilla flava, (^Linn.)

This species, lately recognized as British in consequence
of the occurrence of several specimens in various parts of the
kingdom, is one of the most common wagtails of the Euro¬
pean Continent, namely, the Motacilla jlava of Linnaeus. For
many years it has been strangely confused in England with a
species common here, the yellow-wagtail of Ray, from which
several important particulars sufficiently distinguish it in
every state of plumage.

The distribution of the Grey-headed Wagtail throughout
Europe and Asia, is as widely extended as that of the white-
wagtail, and, as a species, it is far more numerous than that
or any other. It is found in summer as high as the Arctic
Circle, and in many parts of Asia and Africa; in the central
states of Europe it is innumerable, inhabiting all parts of
Germany, except the most mountainous. It is abundant in
the islands along the western coast of Denmark, and also of
Norway; and plentiful in France and Holland. In all these
countries it is a summer-visitor, arriving in the most southerly
parts about the end of March, or beginning of April, and
penetrating gradually northward. On their first arrival these
birds associate with the white-wagtails, and roost with them
among the reeds. Their favourite residence in spring is in

FI. 89.

V-

GREY-HEADED WAGTAIL.

227

damp, rank meadows, where low willows abound ; and in pas¬
ture lands beside rivers, among the long grass. They do not,
however, confine themselves to the water-side, but are found
in autumn to frequent stubble-fields and sheep downs, at
which time they associate with the meadow-pipit. Although
not arboreal in their habits, these birds are often seen, like
our own wagtails, among willows and low shrubs ; their foot¬
ing upon the branches appears insecure, their feet and long
hinder toes being more adapted for running upon the ground,
than for perching. They run very quickly, stopping before
they take flight ; and on alighting fan their tails up and down
several times. In manners, these birds are quick, restless,
and shy ; in the breeding-season they exhibit more confidence,
especially when accompanied by their young, of whose safety
they are very watchful. Early in autumn, these wagtails
assemble in flocks, and are seen to fly about for several days,
as if collecting for their migratory flight ; on a sudden they
disappear, and by October few are left behind.

The Grey-headed Wagtail breeds in retired spots ; its nest
is commonly placed upon the ground, in situations similar to
those chosen by our common yellow species, and the eggs, as
well as the nest, bear also great resemblance.

The entire length of this species is six inches and a half.
The wing, from the carpus to the tip, measures three inches
two lines, and the tail extends about an inch and three-
quarters beyond the tips of the wings. In the specimens
that have come under our observation, the longest of the ter-
tials do not reach to the tip of the quill- feathers by about
two lines. The feet are larger and stronger than in most of
this family; the tarsi measure nearly an inch, and the expanse
of the foot is an inch and a half, that space being nearly
equally divided between the middle and hinder toes ; the
claw of the hinder is four lines and a half in length, strong,
and moderately arched. The first three quill-feathers of the

MOTACILLID.E.

■wing are nearly equal in length. The beak is almost six
lines in length from the forehead, strong, and rather stout.

The adult male in summer has the head, nape, and ear-
coverts, bluish-grey, and a narrow line of a darker tint pro¬
ceeds from the eye to the beak. Above the eye, and below
the ear-coverts, pass two narrow white lines, proceeding from
the bases of the upper and lower mandible. The back, sca¬
pulars, and upper tail-coverts, are pure olive; the tail-feathers
dusky, except the two outer on each side, which are white ;
the wings are dusky, with broad yellowish-white borders upon
the secondaries, tertials, and wing-coverts. In autumn the
under parts of the body are paler in colour.

The female in summer has nearly the same distribution of
colours as the male, but they are less pure and full. In
autumn the grey head of the female is clouded with olive,
and the throat inclining to buff ; in this state it is represent¬
ed in the upper figure of Plate 89 ; and the male in full
adult summer-plumage is represented in the lower figure.
The young male of the year is much like the adult female in
autumn .

f

H.90.

ROCK riPIT.

229

INSESSORES.

DENTIROSTRES. ANTHIDM.

PLATE XC.

ROCK PIPIT.

Anthus aquaticus. {Selby.)

The Pipits, a small group next to be described, and con¬
sisting but of four species belonging to this country, are
nearly allied in habits, and manners, to the wagtails ; feeding
upon the same kinds of food, and living, like them, chiefly in
situations of an open character, such as fields, and plains, and
the gravelly shores of rivers. They are also closely allied to
the larks, and resemble these latter much in form and plu¬
mage, in the construction and position of their nests, and in
the character of their eggs : they appear, therefore, properly
placed between the two. The generic distinctions, in point of
form, between the wagtails and the pipits are slight, except
in the tail, which in the wagtails is long and even at the
end, and in the pipits shorter and forked.

The Rock Pipit is in this country exclusively a maritime
bird, and such it was considered by Montagu, who first dis¬
tinguished it from the other pipits, and described it as the
dusky lark. That acute naturalist observed it first on the
rocky coast of South Wales ; and it has since been ascer¬
tained to inhabit most parts of the shores of England, Scot¬
land, and Ireland, as well as the islands of Shetland and
Orkney.

280

ANTHID.E.

We have always found it impossible to reconcile, with our
English Rock Pipit, the Pipit spioncelle of the first and
second parts of Teinininck’s (although considered by

that author as the same), on account of the very different
localities spoken of as inhabited by the spioncelle. We are
happy to find that Temrainck has himself ascertained and
corrected his error in the fourth volume of his Manuel, in
which he gives an exact description of our indigenous species
under the title of Anthus obscurus. From this author it
appears that the Rock Pipit inhabits the island of Feroe, and
the coasts of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. It is also
found in Holland, and along the western maritime borders
of France. In England, as elsewhere, its residence is in¬
variably upon the borders of the sea, seldom penetrating
further inland than the salt marshes that in some places
are found upon the coast. So seldom does this species
w^ander from the immediate coast, that the occurrence of
several individuals upon the banks of the river Deben in
Suffolk, at the distance of eight or nine miles direct from
the sea, was considered worthy of being noted in the me¬
morandums of a friend, a good ornithologist, as a remarkable
circumstance.

The food of the Rock Pipit consists of worms and marine
insects, which it seeks among sea-weeds and other plants
that grow upon the shores, or are thrown up by the waves.

The nest of this species is placed upon the shore, or upon
the rocks, or banks, at a little elevation above it : it is
composed of grasses, or the dry remains of marine plants.
The eggs, usually five in number, vary considerably in appear¬
ance. Some are yellowish-white in the ground-colour,
mottled over with grey and dusky brown : in some specimens
the brown so much prevails as nearly to cover the eggs,
which then present a mottled surface of two dark shades.

ROCK PIPIT.

231

In others, even from the same nest, a very peculiar and
striking difference is found. One set sent to us for examina-

O

tion, had one of the eggs as last described : of the other two
one was of a perfect whole-coloured chocolate brown, the
other of an even tint of greenish grey, much resembling the
colour of some of the plain specimens of the nightingale’s
eggs ; this latter specimen has a fine hair-like streak sur¬
rounding the egg towards the larger end. These specimens
were from the coast of Suffolk, All the eggs of this species
that we have seen, have very little polish on the surface, and
are of an uniform shape and size, nearly nine lines long and
six and a half lines in diameter.

The Rock Pipit is indigenous in this country, and remains
stationary, as far as its habits are known, throughout the
year. On the northern coasts of Europe it is only known as
a summer visitor, retiring southward in autumn. Whether
any accession of numbers takes place on our shores, we are
not aware, but it is highly probable that some of this species
may, like the larks, seek refuge here from the inclemencies of
northern climates.

The distribution of this species towards the east, does
not appear to be extensive ; no mention is made of it in
Mr. Drummond’s list of the birds of Corfu and Crete,
and Temminck has received no specimens of this species
from Japan.

The entire length of this species is rather above six
inches and a half, and it is a stout and large-made bird,
weighing seven drams. The wing measures from carpus to
tip three inches and a half, and the tail extends beyond the
closed wdngs about an inch and five lines. The wing has
the first quill-feather the longest, the second, third, and fourth
gradually diminishing in length in a very trifling degree ; the
longest tertial feathers reach to within three lines of the tips

232

ANTHID.E.

of the primaries. The tail is forked, the outer feathers
being about a quarter of an inch longer than the central
ones. The beak measures five and a half lines from the
forehead to the tip, is slender, and sharply pointed. The
tarsi are ten lines in length ; the middle toe nearly the same ;
the hinder toe measures eight lines, of which four belong to
the claw. All the claws are slender and much arched ; the
hinder one forming in the arch one third of a circle ; — thus
admirably and beautifully is this species adapted to retain a
safe footing upon the rocks and among the shingly localities
in which it dwells.

The plumage of this species is as follows : — The whole
upper feathering, including the crown of the head and ear-
coverts, the nape, back, scapulars, upper coverts, and the two
middle feathers of the tail olive-brown ; the centre of the
feathers on the back and scapulars marked with dusky streaks.
The quill-feathers are dark-brown, with lighter edges ; the
greater and lesser coverts olive-brown, edged and tipped with
a paler colour. The outermost feathers of the tail are dirty
white, the rest, except the centre pair, dusky. The under
parts of the body are pale ochre-yellow, tinged with olive, and
an obscure streak of the same passes over the eye : the
breast is marked with dusky spots, and the flanks with long
streaks of the same colour : the flanks and thighs are also
tinged with olive. This species appears to undergo some
variations of colour at different seasons, being observed to
have most of the olive-tinge in autumn.

We are unwilling to add another name to the long list
already bestowed upon this bird, as tending, perhaps, to add
to the confusion that now exists on the subject, or we
would suggest Maritimus as a more proper trivial name for
this species, than those it at present bears.

The egg of the Rock Pipit (which stands at the bottom of

ROCK PIPIT.

28S

a plate, containing four figures) has been numbered by
mistake 89, instead of 90, the number it ought to have
borne.

The egg marked 90 var : is a representation of the variety
of the Rock Pipit mentioned in the preceding page.

END OF THE SECOND VOLUME.

London :

Printed by S, & J. Bentley, Wilson, and Fley,
Bangor House, Shoe Lane.

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