The SPARROW-HAWK WARBLER (_Curruca nisoria_), the largest European member
of this group, is seven inches long and eleven broad; the wing measures
three and a half, and the tail three inches. Upon the upper part of the
body the feathers are deep grey, usually shaded with rust-red; the under
side is greyish white, decorated with dark grey crescent-shaped spots,
which are most clearly defined in the plumage of the male bird; the
quills are brownish grey, edged with a paler shade; the tail-feathers
deep grey, with light borders. The eye is bright gold colour, the beak
brownish black, and yellowish pink at its base; the foot is light grey.
In the young, the crescent-shaped spots on the breast are but slightly
indicated.
This species is numerously met with in most European countries that lie
between Southern Sweden and Central Asia; it is, however, unknown in
England, and is extremely rare both in Spain and Greece. Pasture lands,
abounding in shrubs and bushes, on the banks of large rivers, are the
localities it almost exclusively frequents; it never occupies lofty
trees, except as temporary resting-places during its winter migrations.
In its general habits and movements the Sparrow-hawk Warbler closely
resembles most other members of its family; it flies with difficulty,
and comes but seldom to the ground, but displays the utmost agility in
creeping through the densest bushes, or in hopping from branch to branch.
Its song is rich, varied, and uttered constantly, almost throughout the
entire day. The period of incubation commences as soon as the birds have
returned to their usual spring haunts, and is accompanied by repeated
outbursts of jealousy and violence on the part of the male, who not only
frequently engages in fierce conflicts with his actual rivals, but flies
assiduously round his mate while she carries on the work of building
their little dwelling, in order to keep the coast clear from even a
distant intruder on her privacy. The nest is usually placed in a hedge
or bush, at from two to four feet above the ground, and is in every
respect similar to that above described; the eggs, from four to six in
number, are oval, with thin greyish shells, spotted with grey or olive
brown. Both parents exhibit great timidity whilst occupied in the care of
their young, and quit the nest at the first alarm of danger, the female
frequently endeavouring to divert attention from her brood by feigning to
be lame or suffering. If disturbed while occupied in building, it is not
uncommon for a pair to leave the spot and re-commence their preparations
elsewhere; indeed, in some instances, an unusually timid couple have
been known to desert their brood when terrified by the approach and
investigations of a stranger.
[Illustration: THE SPARROW HAWK WARBLER (_Curruca nisoria_).]