ii2 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS 



WARBLER, GRASSHOPPER (Locustella ncevia) 



Local Names. — Bird Bird, Brake-Hopper, Brake Locustelle, Cricket 

 Bird, Grasshopper Lark, Locustelle, Rattlesnake Bird, Razor- 

 Grinder, Reeler. 



Haunt. — Hedgerows and commons where grasses and other plants 

 grow luxuriantly. 



Nesting Period. — Mid-May to June, July, or August. 



Site of Nest. — The base of a bush, on or close to the ground, and 

 among thick clumps of grass. 



Materials Used. — Moss, grass, and straw, lined with fine bents. 



Eggs. — Five to Seven. White, closely freckled with pinkish-red. 



Food. — Insects. 



Voice. — The local names all indicate the chief trait in the character 

 of this bird, namely, the remarkable song. It may best be 

 compared to the rapid winding of a fisherman's reel, or the loud 

 purring of a cat. The vibrating notes are uttered as the male 

 turns his head rapidly from side to side, and this enhances the 

 curious effect. The song is uttered at dusk, and also in the 

 early morning. 



Chief Features. — The song above referred to. This is a very local 

 Summer Warbler, comparatively shy. Arrives about mid-April. 



Plumage. — Light greenish-brown above, a mottled appearance 

 being given by the middle of each feather being darker; pale 

 brown underneath, with darker brown spots on neck and breast; 

 light-brown feet. Female lacks the brown spots on breast. 

 Length. — Five and a half inches. 



WARBLER, MARSH {Acrocephalus palustris) 



Local Names. — None appear to be recorded. 



Haunt. — Near ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshy places. 



Nesting Period. — June and July. 



Site of Nest. — Low down among osiers, near but never over water. 



Materials Used. — Moss, leaves, and grass, felted together with 

 willow down and spiders' webs; lined with horsehair. 



Eggs. — Six or Seven. Greyish-white, marbled with purplish-brown. 



Food. — Insects. 



Voice. — A sweet but not loud song, richer than that of the Reed 

 Warbler. Call, a harsh " turr." 



Chief Features. — First discovered in England in 1861, and is now 

 commoner than was supposed. May be confused with the 

 Reed Warbler, but points set out below should be carefully 

 noted. A late Summer Migrant, arriving about mid-May. 



Plumage. — White throat, which is fluffed out as the bird sings; 



