of the Norfolk and Suffolk Birds. 17 



was killed upon the nest. The structure of this nest resembled 

 that described by INIontagu, but the eggs were different from 

 those found by him. They were white, with numerous small 

 purplish-red spots. The nest was artfully concealed, having 

 the long grass drawn over the top ; and a hole was made in the 

 grass, as if cut with a pair of scissors, forming a path for the 

 bird to escape. Two other birds of this species were killed at 

 the same time, and several others were heard. They were ob- 

 served to frequent that part of the wood where the grass was 

 high and the trees low. 



2. -S. Phragmites (Sedge Warbler, Reed-bird). 



The legs and feet of the Sedge Warbler are remarkably large 

 in proportion to the size of the body ; the bill is also larger than 

 is usual in birds of this genus. The disproportion of these parts 

 has been noticed by Ray and White, but seems not to have been 

 remarked by other authors. In a specimen which we killed, the 

 legs as far as the toes were covered with an epidermis, which might 

 easily have been pulled off. The under part of the toes is yellow. 

 The base of the hind toe very stout and broad, doubtless to give 

 it a firm grasp, the bird living chietiy in sedges and bushes 

 hanging over the water. The wings are very short, compared 

 with the length of the body. Its shape is altogether well calcu- 

 lated for making its way through the close coverts which it fre- 

 quents. The Sedge Warbler will sometimes begin its song 

 exactly like that of the Swallow ; it will fly into the air singing, 

 and come down with its wings turned up in the manner of the 

 Lesser Field Lark, which may perhaps account for its having 

 been called Willow Lark. 



3. S. arundinacea (Reed Wren). 



The Reed A\'ren frequents the reeds in the river Gipping, and 

 VOL. XV. D we 



