the territory secure. That such an
interpretation is possible we must all admit. But if it were true,
though it would not affect the main consideration, namely, whether the
fighting has reference to the possession of a particular female, or to
the protection of the territory, it would make further discussion as to
which of these is the condition of the fighting unprofitable, for each
would have its part to play in the process, the territory remaining,
however, the principal factor in the situation.

Now the difference in the times of arrival of the male and female
migrant varies in different species from a few days to a fortnight or
even more. It is most marked in those that return to their breeding
grounds early in the season, and the greater the margin of difference
the greater scope is there for observation. In my records for the past
twelve years, there are frequent references to these initial male
contests in the life of the Willow-Warbler and of the Chiffchaff; and in
the district which I have in mind, these two species arrive early in the
season, the males preceding the females by a week or even as much as a
fortnight. Suppose, then, that two Chiffchaffs establish themselves in
adjoining territories; or suppose that a male settles in a territory
already occupied; what is the result? Well, scenes of hostility soon
become apparent; as the birds approach one another they become more and
more restive, their song ceases, they no longer search for food in the
usual methodical manner, but instead their movements are hurried and
their call-notes are uttered rapidly--all of which betrays a heightened
emotional tone. Then the climax is reached, there is a momentary
fluttering of tiny wings, a clicking of bills, and for the time being
that may be all. But unless one or other of the combatants retires, this
scene may be repeated many times in the course of a few hours, and
repeated with varying degrees of severity. Yet the fighting, even in the
most extreme form, when the birds locked together fall slowly to the
ground, is seldom of an impressive kind, and one has to bear in mind the
capabilities of the actors, remembering that the most severe struggle
might readily be interpreted as a game if it were not for certain
symptoms which reveal its inner nature.

The males of many other migrants can frequently be observed to fight
when there was every reason to believe that females had still to arrive.
The Blackcap is notoriousl