87 



The reed wren has generally been confounded with 

 the sedge warbler, but may be distinguished by the 

 following marks. In the reed wren the base of the 

 bill is broader ; there is no light stroke over the eye, 

 and the upper parts are one plain colour. (Montagu. ) 



The nest is composed of long grass, and the seed 

 branches of reeds. 



The female lays 4 or 5 greenish white eggs, blotch- 

 ed with dusky. 



It appears in April, and retires in autumn. 



5. LOCUSTELLA. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER. 



S. fusco-viridis, maculis nigncantibus subtus flaves- 

 cens, peclore saturation, cauda cuneata rectri- 

 cibus apice mucronatis. Shaw. 



The bill is dusky, whitish beneath; irides light 

 hazel ; the upper parts are olivaceous-brown ; the 

 middle of each feather is dusky; the back of the 

 neck is spotted ; the eyelids, chin, throat, and belly 

 yellowish white ; the breast, sides and thighs inclining 

 to brown ; the tail coverts are pale brown ; the quills 

 and tail are dusky brown ; the legs are pale brown ; 

 the claws are light horn colour ; the hind claw is 

 short and crooked. 



This species is distinguished from the sedge warbler 

 by its spotted back. 



The nest is composed of dried stalks and goose 

 grass, and lined with fibrous roots. 



