CHIFPCHAFF. DARTFORD WARBLER. 133 



as was particularly the case in 1857. A rather singular 

 variety was killed at Gunton, near Lowestoffc, in August, 

 1861, of a uniform pale yellow, becoming straw-coloured 

 on the under parts, with the bill and legs straw yellow, 

 remarkable rather from the rarity of any variation in 

 the plumage of these warblers. 



SYLVIA RUFA, Latham. 

 CHIFFCHAFF. 



One of our earliest summer visitants and breeds with 

 us, arriving in March and remaining till October ; and it 

 is not unusual to hear, at the same moment, the note of 

 the Chiffchaff, and the chatter of the fieldfare, the one 

 already arrived in its summer quarters, before the other 

 has left us for its northern breeding grounds. This 

 diminutive warbler is scarce in comparison with the last 

 species, but its well-known and peculiar note makes it 

 very generally noticed. According to Messrs. Gurney 

 and Fisher, " A low bush, frequently of furze, appears 

 to be a favourite locality for the nest of the chiffchaff." 

 As many as four have been found in such places within 

 a few yards. The melodious willow- warbler of con- 

 tinental authors, the true S. hypolais, has not yet been 

 recognised in this county. 



MELIZOPHILUS DARTFORDIENSIS (Latham). 

 DARTFOKD WAEBLER. 



But two specimens of this warbler have been re- 

 corded as killed in this county, and in both instances on 

 the Denes, near Yarmouth. The first was obtained 



