The Aquatic Warbler 

 THE AQUATIC WARBLER 



Acrocephalus aquaticus (J. F. Gmelin) 



The Aquatic Warbler is by no means scarce in Europe, 

 but is one of those south-eastern species that extend north- 

 westwards through France and breed sparingly in Holland 

 and Denmark. From recent observations it seems probable 

 that a few examples regularly pass through this country on 

 migration every autumn, but owing to its resemblance to the 

 Sedge Warbler, it has probably often been overlooked. 



In general colour it is lighter and paler than the Sedge 

 Warbler, and the wing coverts have broad huffish margins. 

 Its characteristic feature, however, is the conspicuous buff 

 stripe down the middle of the crown. Length 4*9 in. ; 

 wing 2-4 in. 



THE GRASSHOPPER WARBLER 



Locustella naevia (Boddsrt) 



Though never very abundant, this skulking species is 

 commoner than is usually supposed. Arriving towards the 

 end of April, its peculiar trilling song, which has earned it 

 many local names, may often be heard. It sounds, how- 

 ever, so much like the noise made by a grasshopper that 

 the bird is frequently unrecognised. 



This species is rarely seen, for it loves to remain concealed 

 in the thick undergrowth, either in a compact hedge or in large 

 stretches of sedge and rough grass, but, if we trouble to trace 



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