58 COMMON BRITISH BIRDS 



WARBLER, GARDEN. (S.M. Warblers.) 



Size. Sparrow. 



Colour. Uniform olive-brown above, under parts dull 

 brownish-white. 



Note. Much like that of the Blackcap, and heard 

 from similar situations, also sustained for considerable 

 time like the Blackcap's, but does not contain quite 

 such rich notes. 



Distinguishing Feature. The uniform onve-brown 

 hue of the Garden Warbler serves to distinguish it from 

 the Blackcap or other bird of its size and shape, being 

 considerably larger than the Willow Warblers, with 

 which it might be confused by a beginner. It is an in- 

 teresting fact that though the Garden Warbler occurs at 

 Selborne now, Gilbert White apparently did not know it. 



Nest. Much resembles that of the Blackcap, as 

 also do the Eggs. 



Haunts. Similar situations to those favoured by the 

 Blackcap, i.e., where there are plenty of low-growing 

 bushes or undergrowth to afford seclusion. 



WARBLER, REED. (S.M. Warblers.) 



Size. Slightly smaller than Sparrow. 



Colour. Above reddish olive-brown, below white 

 tinged yellowish or pale buff. Pale eyebrow. 



Note. A hurried chattering song with many ' tack, 

 tack ' notes in it. Somewhat resembles that of the 

 Sedge Warbler. 



Distinguishing Feature. Is of a skulking nature, 

 and is not likely to be met with, except where there are 

 beds of reeds at the side of a lake or river. If in such a 

 situation a strange song is heard much like that of a 

 Sedge Warbler, only not so loud or harsh, it will probably 

 be this bird. If seen, the uniform brown colour dis- 

 tinguishes it from the Sedge Warbler. 



Nest. One of the most wonderful and interesting of 

 our British birds' nests. It is suspended between three 

 or four or more tall reed-stems about eighteen inches 

 above the water, constructed chiefly of the feathery 

 heads of the reeds amongst which it is placed, and rather 

 deep, which is necessary to prevent the eggs or young 

 falling out when the supporting reeds are swayed and 

 bent in the wind. 



Eggs. Pale greenish with dark greenish -brown 

 blotches and spots. 



Haunts. Reedbeds by the sides of lakes or streams. 



