110 BIRDS OF TUNISIA 



Observations. — This species can be distinguished from tlie Melodions 

 Warbler by its larger size, and by its bastard primary being shorter than 

 the primary coverts. 



As mentioned in the preceding article on H.polyglotta, the present 

 species also occurs in Tunisia, although perhaps rather less plentifully 

 than that "Warbler, and is generally to be found at a lower altitude. 

 The Icterine AVarbler is, however, far from uncommon in certain 

 districts of the Regency during the spring months, and particularly 

 in the wooded districts north of the Atlas, such as the neighbourhood 

 of Ghardimaou and the valley of the Medjerdah, where Mr. Aplin 

 met with the species in considerable numbers, frequenting the shrubs 

 and bushes bordering the river of that name. 



As already stated, the range of the Icterine Warbler in North-west 

 Africa does not, apparently, extend further west than Tunisia, at any 

 rate, I have no note of its occurrence in either Algeria or Marocco. 

 In Europe the western range of the species seems to extend to the 

 eastern provinces of France, and, as a straggler, it has even occurred 

 in the British Islands. 



In its general habits the Icterine Warbler resembles the INIelodious 

 Warbler, being fond of wooded localities, or gardens and orchards, 

 where water is near at hand. Like that bird also, it is shy and 

 retiring in its habits, and were it not for its fine song, might often 

 pass unobserved. Its song, however, although generally considered 

 as inferior to that of the Melodious Warbler, lias some rich notes, 

 and cannot fail to attract attention. Its food consists almost entirely 

 of insects. Like allied species, this Warbler is generally to be met 

 either singly, or in pairs. Although I have no information on the 

 point, I think it probable that the Icterine Warbler breeds in Tunisia, 

 its nest and eggs presumably differing but little from those of the 

 preceding species. 



