Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 1 (1843).djvu/384

356 as being "remarkably black and bright." There seems no doubt, therefore, that although P. Tithys retains its black garb during the winter, the colour is less pure and jetty than in the breeding season, which we find to be the case with other black-throated birds, as the reed-bunting for instance, and also the cirl bunting (which is rather common with us), and thus the specimen obtained at Brighton so late as March, had probably assumed its full nuptial dress.—J.F. Dawson; Ventnor, Isle of Wight, August 18, 1843.

Correction of some inaccuracies in a prior communication on the Wood-wren. In the last number (Zool. 311), Mr. Briggs has given some remarks upon the willow and wood wrens, which are not altogether accurate; and I venture to send you a few lines on the subject. The three species, namely, the wood-wren, willow-wren and lesser pettychaps or chiff-chaff, are all common here, and J have had abundant opportunities of observing their habits. The wood-wren arrives the latest—generally in the third week in April, and always frequents woods, generally where there are tall trees, but is only locally distributed, as there are many parts of our woods and forests where they are never seen. They seem particularly attached to certain spots, and seldom move far away, and are very rarely seen in the open country, and never except at their first arrival, before they have attached themselves to a particular haunt, or after the breeding season, when on the point of departing. The nest is composed of dried grass, and invariably lined with fine grass and hair, the bird never using a feather in the construction of its nest. The eggs are white, thickly covered with dark purple spots, often confluent and forming a zone at the larger end. The willow-wren (P. Trochilus) is almost universally distributed, and always uses feathers to line its nest. The eggs vary much. They are mostly white, pretty thickly covered with pale red spots, but sometimes the spots are few in number, and I have seen them pure white. The lesser pettychaps or chiff-chaff (P. rufa), usually places its nest about a foot from the ground, in a bunch of old fern or low bush, and it is externally composed of a quantity of dead leaves and lined with grass and a profusion of feathers. The eggs are clear white, thinly speckled with dark purple spots.—Henry Doubleday; Epping, August, 1843.

Note on the occurrence of the Blackcap in January, (see also Zool. 76). Mr. White, speaking of the blackcap, says, "if these little delicate beings are birds of passage, as we have reason to suppose they are, because they are never seen in winter," &c.; but this is a great error, for I have occasionally seen them at that season, and this past January, 1836, I have seen several; so that sometimes blackcaps do not quit England during the winter period. I frequently see these delicate little songsters on the top of furze-bushes on the open downs.—''Wm. Hewett.''

Note on the pugnacious disposition of the Blackcap. The pugnacious disposition of the blackcap warbler has long attracted my attention: I now purpose giving a short account of an attack made by this bird on a wounded rabbit, together with a few other observations on its habits. In July last I had an opportunity of witnessing a more than ordinary degree of pugnacity in this delightful warbler. As I was shooting those destructive animals, rabbits, I wounded one severely; when endeavouring to escape it was immediately assailed by a male blackcap, which had been busily engaged in feeding its just-flown young; it repeated its assaults and loud vociferations in quick succession, until the rabbit had become motionless and stiff in death, when it instantly retired, apparently rejoiced at the victory it thought it had obtained over its more unfortunate adversary, and again resumed its parental duties with the assiduity of an affectionate parent. I could not help admiring the rash courage of so feeble a bird;