16 DESCRIPTIONS OF OUR NATIVE BIRDS. 



REED WARBLER. 

 (Acrocephalus australis.) 

 Size. — In size this merry little songster is a little larger than the sparrow. 



Bill. — Its bill is rather long and pointed, and admirably adapted for catching 



insects. 

 Feet and Legs.— The legs and feet are of a dark greyish-brown color. 



Plumage. — Its plumage is colored in varying shades of russet or rusty brown. 

 The crown, sides, and back of the head, together with the back of its 

 body are russet brown ; the throat and breast are colored light buff. 



Habitat. — The habitat of the reed warbler is among the reeds that border lakes, 

 lagoons, swamps, and creeks, where it also builds its nest. 



Food. — This little songster lives chiefly on insect life. 



;ff EST. The nest, which is built of soft material stripped from dead reeds and rushes, 



is about 5in. in diameter. It is usually built between three or four 

 upright reeds, about a foot or two above the water. The reeds pass 

 through the material of which the nest is made. 



Eggs. The eggs, which are generally laid during November or December, are four 



in number, about {fin. long, and of a dull white color blotched with 

 varying shades of brown. 



