98 BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



five inches. The female shows less rufous on the rump, 

 and the general colour of the plumage is duller than the 

 male. 



Great IReefc Warbler. 



THE Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus turdoides, Meyer) 

 is a very rare irregular spring and autumn migrant to the 

 British Isles. It breeds in both Central and Southern 

 Europe, and in winter is a resident in Africa. The 

 adult has the general colour above, pale brown, tinged 

 on wings, rump, and tail with rufous-brown ; superciliary 

 stripe, very indistinct; chin, throat, and centre of belly, 

 nearly white ; rest of under parts, light rufous-brown ; irides, 

 brown ; bill, dark brown ; underneath, light brown ; legs, 

 light horn colour. Length, about eight inches. The young 

 show more red on the upper parts, and more fawn colour 

 below. 



