REED WARBLER 185 



clay colour. Beak like that of the Thrush, rather strong, 

 slightly curved, pointed. Legs strong, suited for 

 clinging. The nest is treated of separately. 



We have a smaller relative of this bird in England, 

 although it is not known in Scotland, and is only said 

 to have been taken once in Ireland. Our Reed Warbler 

 (Acrocephalus streperus) arrives regularly in the latter 

 end of April, to stay until September. It is common in 

 those places that suit its way of living, in the Midlands 

 and the Southern and Eastern counties. In form 

 it resembles its larger relative. This species does not 

 confine itself to reeds or to watery quarters; it has 

 even been known to build in a garden at Hampstead. 

 The slender branches of willows or alder beside a run- 

 ning stream suit it well. Still it prefers reeds, and its 

 nest also is supported by being woven about and through 

 three or four, or even two reeds. The building is begun 

 whilst the reeds are short, but by the time the young are 

 hatched the nest is three feet above the water. That 

 wandering creature the Cuckoo will even drop her egg 

 into this hanging nest; indeed she is fond of it. The 

 song of this species is at its loudest and pleasant during 

 the long summer twilight. It is a useful little bird. 



The Reed Bunting. 



