202 INSESSORES. SALICARIA. WARBLER. 



banks of rivers, and lakes, or wherever reeds and other tall 

 aquatic plants are sufficiently abundant to grant it the neces- 

 sary shelter. In such situations, it may be heard during the 

 whole day, and even through the greater part of the night, 

 pouring forth its interrupted, though unwearied song. 



This consists of a great variety of notes, amongst which 

 may be observed close imitations of the Swallow, Lark, Spar- 

 row, and Linnet, mingled with other more guttural notes, 

 and the whole delivered confusedly, but with great rapidity. 

 In general it remains concealed from view, in the closest 

 reeds or bushes ; but will sometimes sing perched on the very 

 top of a small branch, or warble in its flight (which on such 

 occasions is very peculiar) from one station to another at 

 short distances. It has been remarked of this bird, that, 

 when silent, it immediately commences singing on being 

 slightly disturbed, or being roused by a stone cast into the 

 bush where it sits concealed. It has been frequently con- 

 founded with the Reed-Wren, which possesses similarity of 

 form and habits ; but, in this case also, the above-mentioned 

 eye-streak proves a sufficient token of distinction. In addi- 

 tion to which, it is an abundant species, and very widely dis- 

 tributed ; while the Reed- Wren appears limited to a few dis- 

 tricts in the southern part of the kingdom. 



Nest, &c. The Sedge- warbler builds amongst the aquatic plants it 

 chiefly frequents, often suspending its nest between three or 

 four of the closest adjoining reed-stems. I have also found 

 its nest in willow and low birchen bushes. It is composed 

 of a little moss, intermixed with coarse grasses, lined with 

 hair and fine dry grass. The eggs are five or six in number, 

 of a pale wood-brown, speckled with darker shades of the 

 same colour. 



Food. The food of this species consists of various aquatic flies, 



worms, and small slugs. 



This bird is among the latest of the Sylviada in taking 

 its final departure in autumn, and I have frequently observed 

 it as far as the 10th or 15th of October. According to 



