[Illustration: THE WHITE THROAT (_Curruca cinerea_).]
The WHITE THROAT (_Curruca cinerea_) is five inches and three-quarters
long, and eight inches and a quarter broad; the wing and tail each
measure two inches and a half. This species is at once recognisable by
the slender body, comparatively long tail, white throat, and the reddish
border that surrounds its upper wing-covers. The head, nape, back, and
rump are yellowish grey, shaded with a faint reddish tinge; the under
side is white, intermixed with reddish grey on the breast; the quills,
tail, and feathers that form the wing-covers are greyish black, the
latter being moreover broadly bordered with rust-red; the eye is brownish
yellow, the upper mandible deep grey, the lower reddish grey, and the
legs greyish yellow. In the female and young birds these various colours
are not so clearly defined as in the plumage of the adult male. These
Warblers are met with in North-western Asia and throughout the larger
portion of Europe, from Sweden and Russia, as far south as the northern
parts of Spain. They are numerous in Great Britain, where they arrive in
about the third week in April; and are only seen in Southern Spain and
Greece during the migrating season, when they wander even into Africa.
We ourselves have shot them in Eastern Soudan, and other naturalists
have found them in the western portions of the African continent. Like
other members of their family, they display extraordinary dexterity
in making their way through the most intricate masses of foliage or
the very innermost recesses of their favourite brushwood, and, under
ordinary circumstances, rarely venture forth upon the outer branches of
their leafy retreats. Despite their unusual shyness, they are, however,
occasionally bold enough to extend their foraging excursions as far
as the neighbourhood of fields of corn, and in Southern Europe they
especially favour the crops of ripe maize. During their flight they
generally keep near the ground, and, though unable to continue their
course for any great length of time, propel themselves through the air
with rapid and powerful strokes of their wings. The song of this species,
which, though varied, is decidedly inferior in quality to those of many
of its congeners, is frequently poured forth when the bird is on the
wing, at an altitude of some twenty or forty yards above the ground, or
as it rises fluttering, or sinks with closed pinions towards the earth.
"The note of the White Throat," says Gilbert White, "which is continually
repeated, and often attended with odd gesticulations on the wing, is
harsh and unpleasing. These birds seem of pugnacious disposition, for
they sing with an erected crest and attitudes of rivalry and defiance,
are shy and wild in breeding-time, avoiding frequented neighbourhoods,
and haunting lonely lanes and commons--nay, even the very tops of the
Sussex Downs, where there are bushes and coverts; but in July and August
they bring their broods into gardens and orchards, and make great havoc
among the summer fruits."
"One that I possess," says Mr. Sweet, "will sing for hours together
against a Nightingale, now, in the beginning of January, and will not
suffer itself to be outdone. When the Nightingale raises its voice, it
also does the same, and tries its utmost to get above it. Sometimes in
the midst of its song it will run up to the Nightingale, stretch out its
neck as if in defiance, and whistle as loud as it can, staring it in
the face. If the Nightingale attempts to peck it, away it flies in an
instant, darting round the aviary, and singing all the time. These birds
are easily taken in a trap baited with a living caterpillar or butterfly.
One that I caught last spring sung the third day after being placed in
confinement, and continued to sing all through the summer; but this was
most likely in consequence of a tame one being with it, which also sung
at the same time."
The nest is usually constructed in thick bushes or in long grass, and
is often placed quite close to the ground, or in the most unlikely
situations--the iron-work on a lamp in Portland Place and in a gate at
Hampton Court Palace are instanced by Mr. Jesse as having been employed
for this purpose. Externally, the walls of the nest are formed of grass,
often interspersed with wool, and lined with some delicate material.
The eggs, from four to six, are laid at the end of April. These differ
remarkably from each other, not only as to size, but in form and hue,
some being white, yellow, grey, or greenish, while others are slate
colour, yellowish brown, or yellowish green, streaked, spotted, or
marbled with various darker shades. Two broods are always produced within
the season.