28 



THE RIVER-SIDE NATURALIST. 



ing panicles. Its song is often mistaken for that of the 

 sedge-warbler, but the notes are much sweeter. Mr. 

 Dresser (" Birds of Europe "), quoting from Naumann, gives 

 the notes thus : Tiri-tiri-tiri, tier-tier-tier-zach-zach-zach, 

 zeri-zeri-zeriy tiri-tiri-scherch, scherch-scherch, heid-heid, heid, 

 tret-tret-tret, and says the entire song is rather a babbling 

 melody than a song. The bird often sings at night, more 

 especially in calm, close weather. 



THE REED-WARBLER. 



The colour is a pale uniform rufous olive, with a reddish 

 tinge above the tail, a very pale yellow streak over the eye, 

 but nothing like so distinct as that of the sedge- warbler ; 

 breast and under parts pale yellow buff. It builds a beauti- 

 ful nest interlaced in the stems of reeds, generally about 

 half-way up, and is very deep, so that it is not disturbed 

 by the wind. The eggs are greenish-white. 



This bird is common on the Test, the Itchen, the Kennet, 

 and wherever high reeds grow. 



