Birds of Britain 

 THE MELODIOUS WARBLER 



Hypolais polyglotta (Vieillot) 



Although the presence of this species had long been 

 suspected, as well as the possibility of it having bred with 

 us, it was not until 1897 that the first authenticated 

 example was procured at Burwash in Sussex. It is a 

 southern species, breeding abundantly in Spain, North Africa, 

 and South- Western France. Its eggs very closely resemble 

 those of the Icterine Warbler. 



Except for its smaller size, it is very difficult to dis- 

 tinguish this species from the preceding one, but its 

 proportionately shorter wing, its larger bastard primary 

 and the second primary being shorter than the fifth, form 

 unfailing characteristics. Length 4*9 in. ; wing 2*5 in. 



REED WARBLER 



Acrocephalus streperus (Vieillot) 



A near ally to the Sedge Warbler, this bird seldom 

 reaches this country till the beginning of May, and at once 

 repairs to the reed-beds, where his whole life, except when 

 actually migrating, is spent. Wherever suitable reed-beds 

 occur in the southern and eastern parts of our islands, he is 

 fairly abundant and reveals his presence by his song, which 

 is a harsh medley of notes volubly rattled out, and somewhat 

 like that of the Sedge Warbler. It is easy to hear him, but 

 to see him is a task requiring much patience and careful 



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