198 INSESSORES. SALICARIA. 



rather short ; the first quill nearly abortive ; the second just 

 shorter than the third, which is the longest of all. Tail ra- 

 ther long, and rounded. Legs having the tarsi longer than 

 the middle toe. Feet rather large, and stout ; the hind toe 

 large, and strong. Claws moderately curved, long, and very 

 sharp ; that of the hind toe being double in size and strength 

 to any of the others. 



The birds of this genus are the inhabitants of reedy 

 marshes, and of low damp underwood, where they live con- 

 cealed, seldom appearing upon the upper or exposed branches, 

 but confining themselves to the closest part of the bushes or 

 herbage. Through such entanglements, the form of their 

 feet, long sharp claws, and narrow depressed foreheads, enable 

 them to pass with astonishing dexterity and quickness, and 

 specimens, on this account, are not easily obtained, and only 

 by long and silent watching. Their flight is low, and merely 

 from bush to bush, except at the periods of migration. Some 

 species possess considerable compass of voice, and a great va- 

 riety of notes, though many of them are harsh ; others only 

 a constant monotonous cry, as exemplified in the Grasshop- 

 per Warbler (Salicaria Locustella). This genus, through 

 some of its members, seems to claim affinity with genus 

 Prinea, as well as with Synallaxis^ and others. Food 

 aquatic and other insects, and larvae. 



