Birds of Astrakhan, 213 



bold blotches and very small spots of dark brown, and also 

 with underlying paler brown blotches and spots^ which are 

 scarcely darker than the ground-colour. In full breeding;- 

 plumage the birds are very neutral brown (neither russet nor 

 olive) above, and very white below. 



ACROCEPHALUS PHRAGMITIS. 



The Sedge- Warbler is a very common summer visitor, and 

 generally builds in brambles. 



LOCUSTELLA FLUVIATILIS. 



The River Grasshopper Warbler is very common near As- 

 trakhan on migration, especially in spring. 



LoCUSTELLA LUSCINIOIDES. 



Savins Grasshopper Warbler is stated by Henke to be rare 

 near Astiakhan, but very common in summer in the delta 

 of the Volga. The only example in his collection is in the 

 plumage described by Severtzoft" as Cettia falva, in which the 

 upper parts are more olive-brown than russet-bi'own, and 

 which I take to be the ])lumage of birds of the year. 



LUSCINIOLA MELANOPOGON. 



The Moustached Grass- Warbler is a very common resident 

 in the delta of the Volga, though somewhat local. It breeds 

 early in April. A very beautiful nest in Henke^s collection 

 is admirably concealed amongst the roots of the reeds. It is 

 composed of flat grasses and roots. The eggs resemble those 

 of the Sedge- Warbler, but have a somewhat greener ground- 

 colour. They are minutely spotted all over with brown. 



Cettia sericea. 



Cetti's Bush-Warbler is not found on the steppes, but is 

 exceedinsflv common near Astrakhan. Its favourite nesting- 

 place is in brambles. It is occasionally seen during winter. 

 Henke's examples belong to the large pale form, to which 

 Severtzoft gave the name of ikttia albiventris, and Hume the 

 name of Cettia stohrzkee. This may only be a local race ; but 

 it is possible that further researches may prove its right to 

 stand as a good species. 



