EMBERIZA SCHiENICULUS. (linn.) 

 Reed Sparrow, Blackheaded Bunting, Black Cap. 



There are very different opinions with regard to the nidi- 

 fication of this bird. Some authors in describing the 

 situation of its nest have, no doubt, confounded it with 

 the Sedge Warbler, (Sylvia Phragmites,) as noticed by 

 Mr. Selby and the Rev. L. Jenyns. It generally builds its 

 nest in a clump of grass or low bush, preferring a marshy 

 situation. That it does, sometimes, choose a more elevated 

 site, placing it between reeds, above the w^ater, I am quite 

 certain : the instances may be rare, as noticed by Mr. Bolton 

 in his Harmonia Ruralis ; I have, however, found one in 

 that situation, more than two feet above the vv^ater, supported 

 by the common reed. The nest is composed of the stalks 

 of various plants, some moss, and is lined with, hairs. The 

 eggs are four or five, varying only in the depth of colour, 

 fig. 5 and 6. They very much resemble the eggs of the 

 Chaffinch in marking, but are darker. 



