BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 71 



dragon-flies, spiders, slugs and worms ; also soft fruits 

 and berries. 



Nest. — May onwards. Probably two broods. 



Site. — Generally supported between reed stems ; also 

 in osier and willow twigs. Always over water. 



Materials. — Dry grass, bents, pieces of reeds, moss, and 

 cobwebs, lined with fine grass and horsehair. A very 

 deep cup. 



Eggs.^ — Five to six. Dull greenish white, freckled and 

 blotched with dark olive and grey. 



MARSH WARBLER (Acrocephalus palustris). 



April to September. Decidedly local and uncommon. 

 It breeds in Somersetshire, Gloucestershire, and Oxon, 

 and, no doubt, in other suitable counties. 



Haunts. — Usually swampy places and osier beds. 



Plumage. — Very similar to last, but differs in being 

 less rufous and greener on upper parts. Wing-feathers 

 tipped and edged with pale buff, under parts yellower, 

 and legs pale brown. Length 5 J in. 



Language. — Superior to and more melodious than last. 

 It is also a mimic, and sings at night. 



Habits. — Resembling the last but not so skulking. 

 Food. — Similar to last. 

 Nest. — June. One brood. 



Site. — Never overhanging water like last. In low 

 bushes, meadowsweet, or nettles, near water. 



Materials. — Grass, moss, and leaves, lined with 

 horsehair ; cup deep, but not so deep as last. 



Eggs. — Five to seven. Whiter ground-colour than 

 last ; spotted and blotched olive-brown and grey. 



