10 BRITISH BIRDS' NESTS. 



rusty grey. Tail-qnills brownish-black, bordered 

 ou the outsides with white, and shghtly forked. 

 Chin and throat bhick, broad in the centre, and 

 pointed on the lower part of the breast. Breast 

 on either side of the black portion white, also beliy 

 and mider-parts ; sides and flanks tinged and 

 streaked with brown. Legs, toes, and claws dusky 

 brown. 



The female is smaller, and differs considerably 

 in her plumage. Her head is browm instead of 

 black ; the white collar of the male is dusky-brown 

 in her case. Chin, throat, and breast dull white. 



Situation and Locality. ■ — Generally near the 

 ground amongst long grass, rushes, nettles, and 

 sedges. I have once or twice met with it in low 

 thorn bushes, amongst grass and weeds growing 

 about the stunted branches which had been cropped 

 by sheep. Our illustration was procured in July 

 amongst the sprouts and long grass growing round 

 the stump of a felled tree on the banks of the 

 Mole, in Surrey. It is generally found close to 

 sluggish streams, ponds, swamps, and bodies of 

 water, though I have frequently met with the nest 

 at considerable distances from water. It is said 

 to have been found in trees at a height of eight 

 or nine feet. It ma}^ always be known from that 

 of the Eeed AYren by the fact that it is never 

 suspended. It breeds in nearly all suitable localities 

 throughout the British Isles. 



Materials. — Dried grass and moss, with a lining 

 of finer grass, hair, and the feathery tops of reeds. 

 I have a nest before me which is composed entirely 

 of wheat-straws, hay, and white horsehairs. 



Eggs. — Four to seven, generally five. Purplish - 

 grey or pale olive to pale purple-brown in ground 

 colour, spotted and streaked with rich dark purple- 



