The BLACK-HEADED FIRE-EYED WARBLER (_Pyropthalma melanocephala_), the
most numerous species of this group, is five inches and three-quarters
long, and but seven broad; the wing measures at most two inches and
one-sixth, and the tail two inches and a half. The upper portion of
the body is greyish black, the under side white, shaded with red; the
head is of velvety blackness, the throat pure white; the wings and
tail are black. The outer web of the first and the inner web of the
next tail-feathers are white; the eye is brownish yellow, and its lid
brilliant red; the back blue, and the feet reddish grey.
[Illustration: THE SPECTACLED WARBLER (_Curruca conspicillata_).]
These birds inhabit the whole of Southern Europe, even to its smallest
islands, and are especially numerous in Greece, Italy, and Spain;
everywhere they frequent any situation covered with shrubs and bushes,
and remain throughout the entire year within the limits of their native
lands. Naumann tells us that the song of this species, which is very
varied, and consists of prolonged piping notes, is constantly uttered
both upon the wing and as the bird rises or sinks rapidly through the air.
When singing in the trees the male usually selects a prominent branch,
and accompanies his performance by agitating his tail, erecting the
feathers that form his crest, and bowing his head repeatedly; should any
unusual sound occur, the bold little creature is at once on the alert to
discover the meaning of the noise, and invariably hurries to the spot
to mingle in every fray or take his part in any dispute that arises
among his feathered companions. The female is not of an inquisitive and
intrusive disposition, and, as she usually remains quietly hidden among
the sheltering branches, is but seldom seen. During the breeding season,
the male is even still more pugnacious and determined. He resents all
intrusions upon his privacy by approaching almost close to the unwelcome
visitor, loudly uttering his shrill, clear call with such rapidity as to
make it appear but one prolonged note. In such moments of excitement the
black crest upon his head is raised aloft, and the bare circles round the
eyes gleam with fiery brilliancy. The nest, which is substantial in its
structure, is usually placed in a bush or tree, and carefully concealed
from view. The four or five eggs have a dirty white shell delicately
marked with extremely fine dark specks, sometimes they are also decorated
with blue markings and a wreath of olive-brown spots at the broad end.
We have found nests containing newly-laid eggs from March to August.
After the breeding season is over the parents fly about for some time in
company with their young, and occasionally they remain associated during
the winter.