SEDGE-WARBLER. 179 



confirmation of this habit by British observers appears to be 

 lacking. In some districts, where ponds are known as '* pits," 

 the bird is called the " Pit-Sparrow." to distinguish it from the 

 " Reed-Sparrow," a name which has clung to the Reed-Warbler 

 since the days of Ray and Willughby. The song is varied, 

 irresponsible and erratic ; it is difficult to describe. Like 

 many other birds, the Sedge- Warbler, intentionally or unin- 

 tentionally, copies other sounds, whether melodious, sweet, 

 harsh or grating, high or low, does not matter. Some of the 

 snatches are fine productions, clear-toned, round and full, 

 others grating chatters. I once heard and watched a bird 

 singing on the opposite side of a lane from a Grasshopper- 

 Warbler, and repeatedly the Sedge imitated the continuous 

 trill of the other bird. It sings from the depth of cover or 

 from an elevated perch in full view ; it has often a favourite 

 perch for song ; in one osier bed there are two or three trees, 

 alders or birches, which stand above the withies, and these are 

 usually occupied by singing Sedge-Warblers. In spring, at 

 any rate, the bird is neither shy nor sulking, but merely in- 

 different. When stirred by nuptial fervour it sings on the 

 wing, flying with tail spread and wings outstretched and quiver- 

 ing, making short circular or semicircular flights. It sings 

 frequently at night, and its richer notes lead to its being mis- 

 taken for the Nightingale. Its explosive note, ptree^ scolding 

 pit, pit, and harsh churr are so intermingled with its song that 

 the psychological meaning of its varied utterance is obscure ; a 

 bird will scold, churr and sing loudly if startled by a thrown 

 stone or clod, and I have seen one vigorously singing at a cat 

 which it was mobbing. The song period seldom ends before 

 the beginning of August, and at the end of this month and in 

 September the bird sings a little. During August and Sep- 

 tember many depart, but passage migrants are met with in 

 October. 

 The nest is usually near water, but often in tangled overgrowa 



