Do they lie in a torpid state? if they do not, how are they
supported?
The note of the white-throat, which is continually repeated, and
often attended with odd gesticulations on the wing, is harsh and
displeasing. These birds seem of a pugnacious disposition; for they
sing with an erected crest and attitudes of rivalry and defiance; are
shy and wild in breeding-time, avoiding neighbourhoods, and
haunting lonely lanes and commons; nay even the very tops of the
Sussex-downs, where there are bushes and covert; but in July and
August they bring their broods into gardens and orchards, and
make great havoc among the summer-fruits.
The black-cap has in common a full, sweet, deep, loud and wild
pipe; yet that strain is of short continuance, and his motions are
desultory; but when that bird sits calmly and engages in song in
earnest, he pours forth very sweet, but inward melody, and
expresses great variety of soft and gentle modulations, superior
perhaps to those of any of our warblers, the nightingale excepted.
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