SYLVIA MELANOCEPHALA 87 



In Central Tunisia I have found this Warbler not uncommon, and 

 in the neighbourhood of Kasrin the species seemed to be breeding in 

 April. In Northern Tunisia it is abundant in the vicinity of 

 Hamman-Lif, and other localities near the town of Tunis, as well as 

 at Bizerta, and on the slopes of the Djebel Eshkul, near that town, in 

 all of which districts the species was nesting at the end of April. 



In its habits the Sardinian Warbler resembles the members of 

 the genus Melizophilun to a great extent, being essentially a bush- 

 frequenting species, and rarely to be seen in trees. Its jerky, undulating 

 flight also is like that of Melizophilus, and altogether it appears to 

 bear much affinity to this group. 



It is extremely sedentary as a rule, and if undisturbed will remain 

 in the same garden, or shrubbery, all the year round, the sexes 

 keeping in pairs throughout the year, and being most devoted to each 

 other. During the nesting season the male bird takes part in the 

 incubation of the eggs, and on these being hatched, he evinces the 

 greatest solicitude for the welfare of the young brood, even after thej' 

 leave the nest. His chiding alarm notes, however, often draw 

 attention to the young birds when they would otherwise pass 

 unobserved, and both parents at times take part in vehemently 

 protesting against an invasion of their privacy. 



The song proper of the Sardinian Warbler is sweet and pleasing, 

 though not very varied. It may often be heard in spring-time, if 

 care be taken in approaching the songster quietly. 



The food of this species consists chiefly of insects and worms, 

 varied to a slight extent by berries and fruit. 



Nesting commences early in the spring, and by the middle or 

 end of March nests, with their full complement of eggs, may be 

 found. The " maquis "-covered hill-slopes so abundant in Tunisia are 

 favourite breeding haunts of this species, the nest being generally 

 placed in the fork of a bush, about four or five feet from the ground, 

 and composed of fine rootlets and bents, lined with hair. The shape 

 of the nest is cup-like, and rather deep, and the eggs, usually four or 

 five in number, are of a greenish-white colour, closely spotted all 

 over with grey and brown. Average measurements 17 X 14 mm. 

 According to some authors the eggs of this species vary considerably, 

 but I cannot say that such is my experience, although, of course, there 

 is a certain amount of variation. 



I have alluded to the nest of this bird being generally placed about 



