[Illustration]
Sylvia Fitis, BECHSTEIN; S. Trochilus, LATHAM; Le Bec-fin
Pouillot, TEMMINCK; Der Fitis Sanger, MEYER; Der Weidenblatt,
BECHSTEIN.
This species weighs about two drachms and three quarters; length five
inches and a quarter. The bill is dusky above, yellowish beneath; irides
hazel. The whole upper parts of the plumage are of a greenish yellow
brown: the under parts are white, tinged with yellow; on the breast are
a few yellow streaks; legs light brown.
This is a plentiful species in some parts; frequents wooded and enclosed
situations, especially where willows abound; is frequently found with
the wood wren, but does not extend so far to the west in England, as it
is rarely met with in Cornwall. It comes to us early in April, and soon
begins its usual song, which is short, with little variety. About the
latter end of the same month, or beginning of May, it makes a nest of an
oval shape, with a small opening near the top, composed of moss and
dried grass, and lined with feathers. This is placed in the hollow of a
ditch, or in a low bush close to the ground.