WAIiJJLEIlS. 121 



WARBLERS. 



(continued.) 



A LTHOUGH (lif liirds in this group vary consitlirably l)otli in furm 

 and size, they have certain chai'acteristics in common, and all 

 belong the family S'jlviance. The Wood and Willow Warblers, and 

 the Chiff Chaff, are placed by Macgillivray in the genus PhijUopneuste, 

 and are called Wood Wrens; they are of small size and slender build, 

 only differing from tlie Sylvice, to which most of the birds in our last 

 group belong, in having more attenuated bills and feet. Their favourite 

 resorts are wooded districts, especially those in the neighbourhood of 

 water. Here they may be seen actively searching the branches or the 

 ground for insects and worms, on which they entirely subsist. They 

 are only summer residents in this country, arriving about the middle 

 or end of April, and departing in September. Tlieir flight is rapid and 

 undulating, but usually short, and they sing sweetly and melodiously. 

 The Dartford Warbler, which belongs to the genus McUzojihiluK, is 

 not uncommon in some few localities in the south ol^ England, where 

 it remains throughout the year. It has a remarkably elongated tail, 

 and both in form and habits very much resembles the Whitethroat. 



Next we have the Wren, a charming little creature, common all 

 over the country, and universally admired and beloved. It is the only 

 British representative of the genus Anorllnira, and is remarkable for 

 its round compact little body and turned up tail; its bill is long, 



