THE WARBLERS 25 



whilst the Barred Warbler [Sylvia nisoria) possesses 

 some notes of exquisite sweetness. Some of the 

 smaller Warblers in the genus Sylvia are also 

 remarkable for their vocal powers. Of these we 

 may mention the Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melano- 

 cephala), Tristram's Warbler [Sylvia algeriensis), 

 and the Spectacled Warbler [Sylvia conspicillala). 

 The Rufous Warbler [Aedon galactodes) has a 

 peculiar song more resembling that of the Robin, 

 and described by one competent authority as low, 

 soft and mellifluous. None of the Willow Warblers 

 [Phylloscopns) appear to excel our own familiar 

 Willow Wren [P. trockihcs), in their musical attain- 

 ments. The Warblers, as a rule, sing during the 

 early part of the breeding season only. The British 

 Islands are specially favoured with birds of this 

 group, some of the finest songsters in the entire 

 series being summer visitors to our country, and 

 these we will now proceed to describe in detail. 



