120 



BIRDS OF TUNISIA 



Savi's Warbler has been met with not unfrequently both in 

 Algeria and Marocco, and there can be no doubt that it also occurs 

 in Tunisia, in fact, the species has been found so close to the Algerio- 

 Tunisian frontier, that no one could deny its claim to be included 

 in the Ornis. of the Eegency. The Milan Museum possesses several 

 specimens of the species, which were obtained by Loche in Algeria. 

 Mr. 0. Salvin, too, found it abundant at Zana in the Eastern Atlas 

 region, and gives a description of a nest of the species, which 

 apparently breeds freely in the marshes of that district. Canon 

 Tristram also met with it frequently in the Algerian Sahara, 

 frequenting the sedges bordering the Sebkas. Mr. Drake records the 

 species as occurring in Marocco. 



In its distribution Savi's Warbler seems to be somewhat irregular 

 and local, being abundant in one district and entirely wanting in 

 another not far distant, which apparently offers equal advantages in 

 tlie way of environment. In Italy and its islands this difference of 

 distribution is very marked. 



Essentially a denizen of the marshes, this Warbler is shy and 

 retiring, keeping as much as possible to the dense reed-beds which 

 form its shelter, and rarely taking to flight unless very hard pressed. 

 When nesting this bird appears to be still more reluctant to fly, and 

 according to Colonel Irby (Orn. Strs. Gib. p. 96), it will creep oft" 

 quietly from its nest like a mouse, or even run across an open space, 

 in preference to using its wings. 



Its song, which is uttered by the male bird from the top of some 

 tall reed or other plant, is said to be not unlike that of the Grass- 

 hopper-Warbler, its call note being low and churring. Concerning 

 the breeding of this Warbler Mr. Salvin writes as follows: "The 

 peculiar nest of the species, a beautifully compact structure, composed 

 entirely of dead flags, is artfully concealed in the thickest parts, and 

 at Zana can only be found by wading in mud and water up to the 

 middle, and even then it is quite a chance to find one. The eggs from 

 this locality are decidedly smaller than English and Dutch specimens." 

 The number of eggs laid by this species is generally four or five, and 

 their colour is whitish or pale buff, freckled all over, but chiefly at 

 the larger end, with small brown spots. 



Loche includes L. fluviatilis among the birds of Algeria (Expl. 

 Scient. Alg. Gis. i, p. -GO), but say.s that it is of very accidental 

 occurrence. 



