SEDGE WARBLER 



Acrocephalus pkragmitts 



Sedge Warbler is a common summer visitor to most 

 suitable districts throughout the British Islands. Its 

 arrival in this country takes place during the last few days 

 of April, or the beginning of May in late seasons. 



The haunts of the Sedge Warbler are among the 

 tangled bushes and thick vegetation which is found in the 

 neighbourhood of swampy ground, and not entirely among 

 the reeds and sedges, as its name suggests. It is especially fond of frequenting 

 the stunted bushes which fringe the shores of lakes, ponds, and streams. It is 

 rather a skulking bird, and prefers to hop from twig to twig among the tangle, 

 where it can elude detection. Now and then, however, it may be seen on 

 the topmost twig of some bush, pouring forth its song, shifting restlessly 

 about all the while, and finally disappearing again among the bushes. 



The song of the Sedge Warbler is somewhat like that of the Whitethroat, 

 but has a much greater variety of notes ; some of these are full and rich in tone, 

 while many others are harsh and piercing. The bird sings almost incessantly, 

 often as it flies from bush to bush, and seems to vary its own song by 

 imitating the notes of other birds. In the pairing season it is especially 

 vociferous, and its loud cheery note may be heard at all hours during the 

 night. Its call-note is a harsh, grating ' churrr' rapidly repeated, and when 

 its nest is in danger it has a long, scolding note, ' chzzzzj reminding one rather 

 of the alarm-note of the Whitethroat. 



Insects and their larvae form the chief part of the Sedge Warbler's food, 

 and the little bird may often be seen darting out from some bush to secure 

 a passing insect, or fluttering over the water among some cloud of gnats 

 dancing in the sunshine. Small worms and caterpillars are also considered 

 dainties. 



VOL. in. 2 o 141 



