54 BIEDS OF MIDDLESEX. 



all closely resemble each other, and by one not 

 used to notice the distinctive characters of birds 

 may be easily confounded. The Chiff Chaff, how- 

 ever, may be known by its smaller size and darker 

 colour, and the colour of its legs, which are dark 

 brown. The legs of the Willow Wren are pale 

 flesh-colour, while the Wood Wren is a brighter 

 green above and a purer white beneath, the yellow 

 line over the eye more distinct, the tail shorter, 

 and the wings longer in proportion. In addition, 

 the song of each differs sufficiently to afford, when 

 at a distance, a good means of distinction. 



DARTFORD WARBLER, Sylvia provincialis. This 

 species, as its name implies, is considered a very 

 local one. It is peculiarly a southern species, 

 but is, I think, more common than is generally 

 supposed. 



The fact of its being a very shy bird, and of 

 retiring habits, has led to the supposition that it is 

 rare ; but if any one will take the trouble to visit 

 any large patch of furze or gorse, and there lie 

 down and wait patiently, when all is quiet, the 

 chances are a Dartford Warbler will come forth 

 from its retirement and soon make its presence 

 known by its lively song, which is very pleasing, 

 and not unlike that of the Whitethroat. In its 

 search for insect food I have observed that the 

 Dartford Warbler generally commences at the bottom 

 of a bush and works its way to the top in a zigzag 



