OF THE (/BIRDS) MENTIONED 139 
bird. The beak, legs and claws are delicate. Male 
and female much alike. It frequents chiefly the sides of 
slow-running streams and is very active, popping in and 
out of the sedges (whence name), rushes, etc., with a 
noiseless, graceful and sliding movement. Not being 
very shy, it may often be observed at the distance ofa 
few feet, in constant search of food. Migratory, 
being a summer visitor only. Note: The male sings 
with a beautiful continuous warble (hence name,) 
during incubation time, which is accentuated if the 
nest be approached, thus betraying its whereabouts. 
Nest. in May or. June, |. Beautitully constructed. 
About 24 inches across inside, and proportionately 
deep. Situated: In sedges (whence name), rushes, 
long grass, etc., near water, and often in bushes not 
close to water, and woven round supporting stems, 
Well concealed. Made of: Chiefly wool, hair, fine 
fibres, etc. ; lined with soft feathers and fibres. Eggs: 
Pale yellowish brown, obscurely mottled brown. Five 
generally. 
14. STARLING 
(Pages 38-42) 
Sturnus vulgaris (one of the Controstres. See Black- 
headed Bunting). This shiny bird, rather smaller than 
a blackbird, which looks plain black from a distance, 
but when viewed closely is seen to be speckled with 
