188 Mr. W. Eagle Clarke— Ornithology 



Sylvia rufa (Bodd.). 



In several standard works the Whitethroat is stated to 

 become scarce in the Mediterranean region. This is cer- 

 tainly not the case in the Bouches-du-Rlione, where we found 

 it extremely abundant — indeed, nowhere more so. In the 

 Camargue it is generally distributed in suitable localities, 

 and occurs quite down to the sea in the east and west. 



Sylvia conspicillata, Marm. 



The Spectacled Warbler was only observed on the wastes 

 of the southern portion of the Camargue, and those of a 

 similar nature lying between the mouth of the Grand Rhone 

 and the Golfe de Fos. Over this wide area the bird was 

 found to be very thinly scattered. A nest in a shrub of 

 sea-blite was placed about a foot from the ground^ was well- 

 concealed, and contained five much-incubated eggs. As 

 opinions seem to differ widely as to the nature of this little 

 Whitethroat, it may be stated that in our experience it was 

 invariably an extremely shy and restless species. 



Sylvia atricapilla (Linn.). 



Not uncommon, though local, in the northern portion of 

 the Camargue. Around Aries, and in the gardens of that 

 town, the Blackcap is quite common. 



Sylvia hortensis, Bechst. 



The Garden Warbler was observed locally in the northern 

 districts of the Delta; and was also noted in the Petite 

 Camargue, in shrubs among the sandhills bordering the 

 Mediterranean. It was, however, quite common in the 

 neighbourhood of Aries, 



Hyfolais polyglotta (Vieill.). 



A common bird in low trees bordering the dykes in the 

 north of the Camargue and around Aries, and also on the 

 banks of the Rhones. 



ACROCEPHALUS STREPERUS (Vicill.). 



In the Camargue the Reed- Warbler was common in the 

 Marais du Couvin, de Saliers, and de la Grand Mar, and in 

 the Beauduc district in marshes near the Vieux Rhone. It 



