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OF THE BIRDS MENTIONED 207 
April (at same time as the sedge warbler, but not so 
common). Very fond of reeds (hence name), and 
almost always builds in them. Much resembles the 
sedge warbler (which see, Part I), in length (about 5 
in.), plumage, and song. It, too, is a bird that conceals 
itself much, and must also be looked for and waited 
for to be seen at all amongst reeds, rushes, willows, etc., 
or sometimes bushes and hedges, but always near water. 
If, however, you happen to be near a nest or where it 
is going to build one, it will reveal its presence by its 
notes, warbling, and all the more the nearer you get to 
the nest. Keep very quiet, and you will probably get 
a glimpse of it. It will warble, too, if you throw a stone 
near it, the warble being then its note of distress (again 
like the sedge warbler). Habits (like the sedge war- 
bler) : Very restless. Plumage: Upper parts reddish- 
brown (sedge warbler gveyish-brown), a white streak 
between eye and beak (sedge warbler has a yellowzsh- 
white streak over the eye). Under parts (in both birds) 
pale-buff. . It must be seen and studied. to be re- 
cognized and distinguished. Nest: (See Plate [X) also 
like the sedge warbler’s (see Part I, Plate XXIV), and 
both birds twine the materials round the reeds, or twigs 
if in a bush, for support (characteristic). Food: See 
sedge warbler (Part I). Male and female: Much 
alike. Second nests: Probably. Eggs: Greenish 
white, blotched and freckled ashy grey. Four or five. 
