24 OUR FAVOURITE SONG BIRDS 



of excellence reached by the most favoured members. 

 This generic resemblance also extends very notably 

 to the eggs, but as oology is of only secondary 

 importance in the present book we need not make 

 more than a passing allusion to the interesting fact. 

 Certain species of Warblers are remarkable for the 

 extraordinary way in which their vocal efforts re- 

 semble those of other and often remotely allied 

 birds ; this, we believe, is not conscious imitation to 

 anything like the extent that has been ascribed to it 

 by certain writers, but pure coincidence. Of the 

 birds in this group which are not British, and yet 

 famous for their vocal acquirements, mention may 

 be made of the following. The Icterine Warbler 

 [Hypolais iderina), or Tree Warbler, as it is called 

 in some localities, is a particularly loud and persistent 

 singer. The song is almost as loud, and certainly 

 quite as varied as that of our own Song Thrush ; it 

 has also the peculiarity of being repeated every few 

 notes many times in succession, a fact which also in- 

 creases the similarity. This melody has been much 

 over-rated, but certainly exceeds that of the Sedge 

 Warbler with which it is often compared. Cetti's 

 Warbler [Cettia cetti) and some of its allies are said 

 to possess a song almost rivalling that of the 

 Nightingale; and what is even more interesting, to 

 continue in voice almost throughout the year. The 

 Orphean Warbler [Sy/via orpJiea) almost excels the 

 Blackcap in the melody and richness of its voice ; 



