BIRDS OF EGYPT. 93 



41. Calamodtta melanopogon (Temm.). Moustached 



Warbler. 

 (Plate ni. fig. 1.) 



This Warbler, wliich is very rare in collections, I found in 

 great abundance among the thick sedge of a lake near 

 Dainietta. They keep exclusively to the thick masses of reeds 

 in very marshy districts, and may be seen clinging on to the 

 stems as they take a last peep at the intruder before hiding 

 themselves. They rarely show themselves boldly, but may 

 be watched as they chase each other through the thick and 

 matted sedge, which is seen to move as though a mouse was 

 disturbing it. They creep and flutter along in pursuit of 

 each other, occasionally uttering a little jarring note, and at 

 intervals popping their heads out from among the thick 

 covert to glance at the stranger. They have rather a pretty 

 song, and in disposition are not shy. They may be best 

 obtained in the Damietta marsh by walking steadily through 

 the sedge, as they almost invariably, when first distiu-bed, 

 fly to a prominent stem before hiding themselves. Though 

 in form, size, and general appearance they much resemble 

 the Common Sedge Warbler, they may be readily recognized, 

 even in a wild state, by their blacker back, whiter chest, and 

 by the absence of the yellow tints, which are so conspicuous 

 in the latter bird. 



I am surprised not to find this species mentioned by Von 

 Heuglin in his great work on the birds of North-eastern 

 Africa, as it is very abundant in some of the reedy lakes of 

 the Delta, and remains in the country throughout the year. 



Crown of the head black, more or less shaded with rufous ; 

 upper surface of the body oHve-brown, with a chestnut shade 

 on the rump ; centres of the feathers of the upper part of the 



