REED AND SEDGE WARBLERS 113 



brown head, without any visible stripe over the eye — though 

 there seems to be reason to believe that this becomes slightly 

 apparent in mature individuals; olive-brown back, and flesh- 

 coloured legs. . . . The Reed Warbler differs in having a 

 more rufous back and slate-coloured legs. 



WARBLER, REED (Acrocephalus streperus) 



Local Names. — Marsh Reedling, Night Warbler, Reed Bird, Reed 

 Chucker, Reed Wren, Water Sparrow. 



Haunt. — Similar to Marsh Warbler, but sometimes away from water. 



Nesting Period. — June and July. 



Site of Nest. — Between the stems of reeds. 



Materials Used. — Reeds, moss, wool, leaves, and dry grass. The 

 deep nest is attached to reed stems in an ingenious way. 



Eggs. — Four or Five. Greenish-white, spotted and dashed with 

 green and pale brown. 



Food. — Small insects. 



Voice. — Reminds one of the song of the Sedge Warbler, but is less 

 powerful, although sweeter. Call, " turr " or "choh, choh." 



Chief Features. — A much commoner Warbler than is supposed. 

 Somewhat of a colonist, thirty nests having been found by a 

 friend of mine on an eyot on the Thames during one afternoon. 

 A Summer Migrant, arriving towards the end of April or early 

 in May. Of shy, skulking habits, and largely nocturnal. 



Plumage. — Reddish-brown above, without spots; between eye and 

 beak a spot or streak of white; white throat; pale buff under- 

 neath. Length. — Five and a half inches. 



WARBLER, SEDGE (Acrocephalus 

 phragmitis) 



Local Names. — Blethering Tarn, Glitter- 

 ing Tam, Lesser Reed Sparrow, Lesser 

 Water Sparrow, Mock Bird, Night 

 Singer, Phragmite, Reed Fauvette, Sally Picker, 

 Sedge Bird, Sedge Marine, Sedge Reedling, Sedge 

 Wren, Shamcider. 



Haunt. — Rivers, ponds, lakes, ditches, and where there 

 are reed patches or other herbage. 



Nesting Period. — May and June. 



Site of Nest. — A low, thick bush, or in a tuft of grass. 



Materials Used. — Moss, coarse grass, and stems of Fig. 44. Sedge 

 plants, lined with finer grass and hair. Warbler. 



Eggs. — Five to Seven. Pale yellowish-brown, mottled with darker 

 brown. 



