WARBLERS. 27 



our downs, often choosing unused rabbit-burrows for 

 their nesting-places, as well as stone walls and old 

 rotten molehills. 



REED WARBLER Acrocejphalus streperus, (Vieillot). 



Yarrell, i. p. 369 ; Dresser, ii. p. 567 ; Ibis List, p. 18 ; Sali- 

 caria strepera, Barfing, p. 1 4 j Acrocephalus arundinaceus, 

 Seebohm, i. p. 367. 



A summer visitant, arriving here about the first 

 week in May. It usually makes its nest interwoven 

 between willow twigs overhanging the streams. It 

 is oftener heard than seen, but may be occasionally 

 observed clinging to a perpendicular reed or flitting 

 from one side of the river to the other. 



SEDGE "WARBLER. AcrocephahLs schcenohcenus, (L.) 



Yarrell, i. p. 376; Dresser, ii. p. 597; Salicaria phragmitis, Hart- 

 ing, p. 14; Acrocephalus phragmitis, SeeboJwi, i. p. 352; 

 Ibis List, p. 20 ; Motacilla salicaria, Pulteney's List, p. 9. 



This AYarbler is also a summer visitant. It arrives 

 with us before the Reed- Warbler, from which it differs 

 in habits in not confining itself exclusively to the 

 vicinity of rivers and marshes. It may be seen and 

 heard at a considerable distance from either. It is a 

 shy bird, and makes itself known by its harsh scold- 

 ing notes as it threads its way through the hedge- 

 rows and thick willows of the river-banks, where it 

 usually builds its nest. 



