Birds of Britain 

 THE ORPHAN WARBLER 



Sylvia orphea, Temminck 



This species nests abundantly in Spain and more spar- 

 ingly in the South of France, but has been taken in this 

 country on at least two occasions, on both of which the 

 evidence pointed to its breeding or having bred with us. 

 The eggs, except in size, are much like those of the Lesser 

 Whitethroat. 



The bird itself much resembles a Blackcap, but the 

 throat and breast are white and the three outer pairs of tail 

 feathers show some white. The female is rather duller and 

 browner. Length 6 in. ; wing 3'1 in. 



THE SARDINIAN WARBLER 



Sylvia melanocephala, Qmelin 



This small species, which is not unlike the Blackcap in 

 general appearance, has a comparatively restricted distribu- 

 tion, being practically confined to the Mediterranean basin. 

 The only British specimen that has hitherto been obtained 

 was shot on June 3, 1907, in Sussex. 



General colour of upper parts dark grey, except the 

 head, which is black. Lower parts white, greyish on the 

 flanks. Length 5 '5 in. ; wing 2 '5 in. 



44 



