Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 2).djvu/184



T this season of the year there is no necessity to say one word in praise of our song birds. Their notes are to be heard on every hand, in delicious profusion. Whether it is the rich warbling of the thrush and blackbird, the thrilling song of the skylark, the sweet, low voice of the wood-pigeon, or the "link'd sweetness, long drawn out," of the nightingale, there is a charm of rich variety, which is always pleasing. It is difficult to put their melody into music. The timbre of the tone cannot be actually approached by any musical instrument. Then, again, they are mostly very untrue—musically—in their singing. The thrush is the great exception. The first three notes of his song descend in perfect seconds, with a purity of tone unsurpassable—a quality strikingly absent amongst most of the feathered songsters. They find a response (the principle of true melody) in the ascending tones immediately following.

What has been attempted here is to give an idea of the construction of the songs of the chief British birds, showing that there is a certain method in the singing, and that it is based on melodic principles. No satisfactory result will be obtained by playing them on a piano, the piano being the least realistic approach to a bird-note. But whistled "under the breath," it gives a good imitation in proper tonalty.

THE BLACKBIRD.

The blackbird's song is distinguished from that of the thrush by being pitched in a lower key, by less abruptness, and an apparent want of freedom in delivery. It is the baritone among birds. The strain is, nevertheless, rich and mellow. On being disturbed, it utters a sharp, chattering, long-continued cry, which ceases when it has gained a place of safety. In captivity it can be taught to whistle a variety of tunes, and even to imitate the human voice. It is astonishing what amount of variation of emphasis and tone it can give to the same note. Even in its native state the blackbird is something of a mimic, and will imitate the notes of other birds with remarkable accuracy, even teaching itself to crow like a cock, and to cackle like a hen.