SYLVIIN/E. 



53 



THE DARTFORD WARBLER. 

 Sylvia undata (Boddaert). 



This Warbler derives its trivial name from the fact that it was first 

 obtained near Dartford in 1773, by Latham; but subsequent 

 research has shown that, although local, it is more generally distri- 

 buted in England than was for a long time supposed. Allowing for 

 a little wandering, it maybe described as a resident southern species, 

 chiefly frequenting furze-covered commons ; and, apparently, ex- 

 tending its range both westward and northward of late years. It 

 is now known to breed in nearly all the southern counties, from 

 Cornwall to Kent, especially in Hampshire (including the Isle of 

 Wight), Surrey and Sussex ; sparingly in the valley of the Thames ; 

 perhaps in some of the midland counties ; and, on the sole authority 

 of Mr. C. Dixon, in the Rivelin valley, in ihe extreme south of York- 

 shire. It has been observed in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk ; while 

 in Suffolk a few probably breed. Only those who have studied its 

 habits arc aware what a skulking little bird it is, especially in dull 

 rainy weather ; or how easily a patch of gorse holding two or three 

 pairs may be passed over, even by a careful observer, as untenanted. 



Although as a rule a non-migratory species, the Dartford Warbler 

 has been observed in Heligoland ; but it is unknown in Northern 

 Germany, Holland, or Belgium. Rather rare in the Channel 

 Islands, it is found throughout France in suitable localities, 

 especially from the foot of the Western Pyrenees to Provence. In 

 many parts of Portugal and Spain it is common, and I have watched 



