96 THE SMALLER BRITISH VIRDS. 



THE SEDGE WARBLER, 



(Sylvia salicaria.) 



PLATE VI. FIGURE VI. 



THIS delicate and lively little bird, which goes by the names of the 

 Sedge Reedling, Sedge Wren, Sedge Bird, and Reed Fauvette, is 

 generally to be found during the summer, along the margins of rivers 

 and pools which are overgrown with sedges, reeds, or other aquatic 

 plants, but it sometimes resorts to hedges or bushes, at some little 

 distance from water. Its ordinary note is a somewhat shrill clieep, 

 but its song is lively and modulated, though very varied, and often 

 uttered in an excited and hurried manner. It sings almost constantly, 

 by night as well as by day, scarcely ever seeming to take rest; Neville 

 Wood states that he visited a spot, (where he knew from observation 

 but a single pair of these birds dwelt,) at intervals of an hour throughout 

 a summer night, and always heard their notes. Nor are these merry 

 Warblers effected by the burning heat of mid-day, in their cool and 

 shady retreats, for they then pour forth their varied strains with the 

 same unflagging energy. Neither rain, storm, nor wind seem to make 

 any difference to them. 



The Sedge Warbler arrives in England towards the end of April, 

 and remains until the beginning of October; it is however recorded 

 that a specimen was seen near High Wycombe, in Buckinghamshire, 

 in winter. In Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Lincolnshire, Lancashire, York- 

 shire, and Northumberland, it occurs plentifully, and has been observed 

 in Cornwall, Devonshire, Dorsetshire, and Hampshire. The marshy 

 reed-covered spots on the banks of the Thames, are also favourite 

 resorts of this bird; it is here little disturbed, as the soft and swampy 

 nature of the ground protects it from intrusion. It visits Wales and 

 the north of Ireland, and is not uncommon in many parts of Scotland. 

 In Germany, France, and Italy it is abundant, and also in the numerous 

 marshes of Holland. It has been observed in Norway and Sweden, 

 and in Russia and Siberia, even as far as the Arctic Circle. 



