The CHIFF-CHAFF (_Hippolais_ or _Sylvia rufa_) is four inches and
three-quarters long and seven broad; the bill is brownish black,
inclining to yellow at the edges; the mouth of a pale saffron-yellow
tint. The plumage below is pale lemon yellow; the belly mixed with
silvery white, and the vent and under tail-covers inclining to deep
straw yellow; the quill and tail-feathers are dusky, edged with yellow,
except the exterior tail-feather on each side, which is plain. The female
resembles her mate.
This bird visits England about the end of March. It makes its nest
upon the ground, constructing it externally of dry leaves and coarse
grass, with a lining of feathers. The eggs are six in number, white,
and speckled at the larger end with purplish red, and an occasional
single speck on the sides. Its double note, which is four or five
times repeated, resembles the words "Chip-Chop," and hence its name of
Chiff-Chaff. It is said to feed principally on the larvæ of the different
species of _Tortrix_ that are rolled up in the unfolding buds of various
trees, rendering good service in devouring those insects that would
otherwise destroy a great part of the fruit. If the weather is fine and
mild, these birds may be seen among the most forward trees in orchards,
flying from branch to branch and from tree to tree, chasing each other,
and catching the gnats and small flies that come in their way. In the
summer they feed on the aphides which infest trees and plants, and they
are also very partial to small caterpillars, flies, and moths.
Mr. Sweet says the Chiff-Chaff is easily taken in a trap, and soon
becomes tame in confinement; one that he caught was so familiar as to
take a fly from his fingers; it also learned to drink milk out of a
tea-spoon, of which it was so fond that it would fly after it all round
the room, and perch on the hand that held it without showing the least
symptom of fear.
[Illustration: THE CHIFF-CHAFF (_Hippolais rufa_).]