80 BIRDS OF TUNISIA 



Observations. — Some specimens iu niy collection from Tunis are larger 

 than others, and paler in colouring, having less chestnut on the breast and 

 sides, the underparts of a purer white, and rather more white on the tail- 

 feathers. The wing of these specimens measures as much as 2-55 inches in 

 males. Other specimens, again, are found in which the entire under-surface 

 of the body is of a vinous-rose colour, without any white on the centre of 

 the abdomen. Marocco examples have the throat and breast rather more 

 rusty than Tunisian specimens. In short, there seems to be considerable 

 variation in the coloration of this species, but whether this is partly or 

 entirely due to season or age is not easy to say. 



This Warbler is abundant in Tunisia, particularly during the spring 

 migration, when, should the wind be favourable for the passage of the 

 birds, considerable numbers of them may be seen. According to 

 Blanc, the species is also to be found in the Regency in limited num- 

 bers during the winter months. It breeds in many parts of the 

 country, both north and south of the Atlas. 



In Algeria and Marocco the Subalpine Warbler occurs more or less 

 plentifully, as it does in Tunisia, being found in Marocco at considerable 

 elevations on the Atlas Mountains. In both countries the species is to 

 be found nesting. From Tripoli also I have specimens of this Warbler, 

 obtained during the spring and summer months. 



In Tunisia I have found S. suhalpina most plentiful in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Sousa, and along the east coast of the Regency, where 

 the extensive olive groves, abundant there, offer food and shelter to the 

 freshly arrived migrants. In such localities, during the first fortnight 

 or so of April, numbers of the present species, and other soft-billed 

 migrants, may be seen flitting from tree to tree, and feeding on the 

 small insects which swarm in these groves. Later on, however, when 

 the breeding season has set in, more bushy spots are resorted to by 

 the birds for nesting purposes. 



In its habits and life generally the Subalpine Warbler resembles 

 other bush-frequenting Warblers, being of feeble and wavering flight, 

 but active and agile in threading its way in and out of bushes and thick 

 vegetation. It is not particularly shy, and may often be approached 

 closely. Its food consists chiefly of the smaller insects and their 

 larvae. It is a silent bird as a rule, but during the nesting season 

 becomes rather more loquacious, and should its nest or young be 

 approached, its soft "chatting" note of remonstrance may often be 

 heard. This is uttered by both sexes, though the male's note is rather 

 louder than that of the female. 



