SYLVIIN.S. 



55 



THE DARTFORD WARBLER. 



Sylvia undata (Boddaert). 



This Warbler derives its trivial name from the fact that it was first 

 obtained near Dartford in 1773, by Latham; but subsequent 

 research has shown that, although local, it is more generally distri- 

 buted in England than was for a long time supposed. Allowing for 

 a little wandering, it may be described as a resident species in the 

 south, chiefly frequenting furze covered commons ; and, apparently, 

 extending its range both westward and northward of late years. It 

 is known to breed in nearly all the southern counties from Corn- 

 wall to Kent inclusive, especially in Hampshire (and the Isle of 

 Wight), Surrey and Sussex ; sparingly in the valley of the Thames, 

 and perhaps in some of the ]\Iidland counties ; while it has been 

 observed in Cambridgeshire and undoubtedly nests in Suffolk and 

 Norfolk. It is a skulking little bird, especially in dull rainy weather ; 

 and a patch of gorse holding two or three pairs may be easily passed 

 over, even by a careful observer, as untenanted. In Ireland it has 

 never been seen. 



It is possible that our stock of Dartford Warblers may be 

 replenished from Normandy and the Channel Islands, though the 

 bird is rather rare in the latter ; but as a rule it migrates little, and 

 no specimens exist to prove that it occurs in Belgium, Llolland, 

 Germany, or Heligoland. It is found throughout France in suitable 

 localities, especially from the foot of the Western Pyrenees eastward ; 



