BIRDS OF EGYPT. 97 



46. AcROCEPHALUS ARABicus, Heiigl. AraUav Sedge 



Warbler. 



This species is mentioned by Von Heuglin (Orn. N. 0. Afr. 

 p. 289) as occurring in Egypt near Suez. I do not know the 

 bird ; but it appears to be distinct from the last two species 

 in the size and colouring of the beak ; the other parts are 

 described too vaguely to found any opinion upon ; I therefore 

 simply translate his Latin description. 



Similar to A. turdoides ; beak stouter, more obtuse, and 

 higher at the base ; feet longer, and superciliary streak more 

 conspicuous and of a whiter colour ; outer web of all the 

 primaries with a narrow and conspicuous pale margin, the 

 spurious primary whitish ; breast, under wing-coverts, sides 

 of the body, and under tail-coverts for the most part bright 

 rufous ochre ; the under mandible waxy, the whole of the 

 upper one blackish horn-colour. 



47. CiSTicoLA SCHCENICOLA, Bp. Fan-tail Warbler. 



This tiny but cheerful little Warbler is one of the most 

 abundant bu'ds in Egypt and Nubia, where it is met with in 

 every green field, either watching om- approach from some 

 tall plant, or pouring forth its notes as it hovers over the 

 surrounding herbage. It never frequents trees, but is equally 

 abundant both in the dry fields and in marshes. It breeds 

 in March, forming a charming little deep purse-shaped nest, 

 open at the top, which I have found in clover,' corn, and 

 sedge, at a height of from a few inches to a foot from the 

 ground. The nest is constructed of dried grass and cotton, 

 and often thickly lined with the soft downy seeds of the reed 



