112 BIRDS OF TUNISIA 



large numbers of them throughout the spring months. Gardens and 

 orchards are also visited by the species in the more populated 

 districts. 



In Central Tunisia I found H. p. opaca remarkably abundant on 

 the tamarisk-clothed banks of the Eiver Hattoub near Kasrin, and 

 in Northern Tunisia on the borders of the Medjerdah river. In the 

 immediate vicinity of the town of Tunis it is also not uncommon. 



In Algeria and Marocco the species appears to be as common as 

 it is in the Regency. 



In the localities it frequents, and in its habits generally, as well as 

 in its song, this Warbler seems to be more Acrocephaline than the 

 preceding members of the group. Like the Aquatic Warblers, it is 

 rarely to be found far from water, and seldom ascends to any great 

 elevation. Although frequenting thickets and more or less dense 

 shrubbery, the species is not shy, and owing to its somewhat restless 

 habits it may constantly be seen and observed at close quarters. It 

 seems to feed entirely on insects. The song of H. p. opaca is not 

 to be compared with that of either of the two preceding species, and 

 is altogether more Acrocephaline in its character. 



The species breeds both north and south of the Atlas, and by the 

 beginning of May nests with eggs may be found. Like other 

 members of the group, it places its nest in the fork of a tree or high 

 bush. The nest is a compact, cup-shaped structure, composed of fine 

 rootlets, and lined plentifully with vegetable-down, or with wool and 

 hair. The eggs, generally four or five in number, are of a pale dove, 

 or vinous-grey colour, spotted and very slightly streaked with dark 

 brown. Average measurements 18 X 14 mm. 



ACROCEPHALUS STREPERUS (Vieillot). 

 REED-WAEBLER. 



Sylvia strepera, Vieill. Nouv. Diet, xi, p. 182 (1817). 



Acrocephalus streperus, Neivton's eel. Yarr. Birds, i, p. 369 (1873) ; 



Seeboltm, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. v, p. 102. 

 Calamoherpe arundinacea, Loche, Expl. Sci. Alg. Ois. i, p. 258 (1867). 



Description. — Adult male, spring, from near Tunis, North Tunisia. 

 Above a warm olive-brown, brighter on ilie rump and upper tail-coverts ; 



