DARTFORD WARBLER. 167 



Dartford Warbler. MelizophUus tmdatus dartfordiensis 

 (Lath.). 



The Dartford Warbler (Plate 67) is a local and non-migratory 

 resident in a few of our southern counties ; it has nested in many 

 places where it is now unknown. On the Continent the sub- 

 species, to which our British form is referable, occurs in north- 

 western France, and the typical race in south-western Europe ; 

 it is doubtful if it ever reaches us as a migrant. 



This small dark warbler is unlike any of its relatives in habits 

 as well as appearance, for they seldom brave our winters, 

 whereas the Dartford Warbler, though it suffers severely in 

 hard weather, does not emigrate. The male looks very dark, 

 and his constantly erected crest and long fan-shaped tail render 

 him far too conspicuous when, in the breeding season, he shows 

 himself on the tops of the furze bushes. As a rule, however, the 

 bird is skulking and secretive, remaining unseen in the gorse 

 thickets on the open commons which it frequents. The male 

 has a subdued liquid warble, which Mr. Kearton heard when its 

 bill was crammed with insects for the young. The note is often 

 described as pit4t-choii, but under excitement it is a rapid tirr^ 

 tirr, often a scolding Whitethroat churr. When the young are 

 in the nest both birds will flutter round, jerking their tails, 

 calling tic, tic. The tail, as a rule, is carried well clear of the 

 foliage, but during nuptial display the male droops and spreads 

 it and at the same time drags his half-open wings. The flight 

 from bush to bush is undulating, the short rounded wings 

 whirring rapidly, and the bird suddenly drops into cover. 

 Insects — moths are specially noticed — are its food in summer, 

 but wild fruits and small berries are eaten in the colder months. 

 Though severe winters and fires in its haunts have no doubt 

 helped to reduce its numbers, the rapacity of collectors is largely 

 to blame ; the high prices given for eggs encourages professional 

 looting-. 



