408 



perfectly concealed from view by the closeness of the covert, 

 and the resembling tints of their plumage." Mr. Hoy says, 

 " The borders of the large pieces of fresh water in Norfolk 

 called broads, particularly Hickling and Horsey Broads, 

 are the favourite places of resort of this bird ; indeed, it is 

 to be met with in that neighbourhood wherever there are 

 reeds in any quantity, with fenny land adjoining. During 

 the autumn and winter they are found dispersed, generally 

 in small parties, throughout the whole length of the Suf- 

 folk coast, wherever there are large tracts of reeds. I 

 have found them numerous in the breeding season on the 

 skirts of Whittlesea, near Huntingdonshire ; and they are 

 not uncommon in the fenny district of Lincolnshire ; 

 whether they are to be met with farther north I have had 

 no means of ascertaining ; but they do not appear to have 

 been noticed north of the Humber. It begins building 

 towards the end of April. The nest is composed on the 

 outside with the dead leaves of the reed and sedge, inter- 

 mixed with a few pieces of grass, and lined with the top 

 of the reed. It is generally placed in a tuft of coarse 



grass or rushes near the ground, on the margin of the 

 dikes, in the fen ; sometimes fixed among the reeds 



