The Chiff–chaff (Sylvia rufa), iii., 158.
This little creature, which is one of the smallest of the warblers, arrives a trifle later, or about the middle of March, when it at once begins its cry in the very highest branches it can find of the tallest poplars and fir–trees, perching itself on the topmost pinnacle. Not common about Manchester generally, though plentiful in Marple Wood. First it cries “chiff,” then “chaff,” then “chaff” and “chiff” alternately.
The White Wag–tail (Motacilla alba), ii., 81.
Arrives at the end of March or the beginning of April, but does not appear to breed in our neighbourhood.
The Yellow Wag–tail (Motacilla flava), ii., 84.
Common in open fields, building its nest among young corn, and in hay–grass. Like all the other wag–tails, a bird of very poor song, but singularly gentle and affectionate. It arrives the last week in March, apparently all the better for its journey, the plumage being often more clean and beautiful the day of arrival than at any later period.
The Redstart (Sylvia phœnicurus), iii., 138.
Formerly very common in Hulme, Chorlton, and Withington, but now become scarce, being shy in temperament, and retiring before the advance of population. Plentiful in the rural parts of Cheshire. To get a full view of a redstart is also very difficult, as it is for ever dodging behind a branch, and, as the name implies, is never still.
The Tree Pipit (Anthus arboreus), ii., 88.
A lively bird, arriving at the beginning of April, and commencing to sing immediately. Common, building its nest on the ground, and laying the most variously coloured eggs, some being blood–red and others deep black.