146 OLIVACEOUS WABBLEB. 



in 1836 led to that of the present species, by Dr. Linderinayer, in 

 1843. Count Miihle remarks that from these events we may conclude 

 that many birds, especially such as from their trifling size and 

 colouring of the plumage so readily escape observation, remain yet 

 to be discovered. During his residence in Greece, though anxiously 

 examining the birds of that country, this species escaped his observation. 

 The Olivaceous Warbler is at first sight very like the Olive Tree 

 Warbler; but if we examine the dimensions which afiTord us such 

 valuable means of differential diagnosis, we shall find a full inch 

 difference in size. Its plumage is also altogether more of a yellow 

 tint than that of its congener. It inhabits, however, the same 

 localities, the olive plantations of Attica, where it also arrives late 

 and departs early. 



Salvadori ("Fauna d'ltalia,") says: — "This species resembles greatly 

 in its colouring Acrocephalus palustris, from which, however, it is 

 easily distinguished by the different form of the tail, which is blunted 

 in H. elaica and graduated in A. palustris. Signor Magnigriffi asserts 

 that in April, 1863, he met with a flock of this species along the 

 river Magra, in the Eastern Riviera. They appeared to be feeding 

 upon gnats and other insects, which in this season frequent the 

 willows and tamarisks. I have seen one of the two he killed in the 

 Pisa Museum." 



Count Miihle informs us, that, like the Olive Tree Warbler, it 

 takes up its abode in the tops of the olive trees, and is never seen 

 elsewhere. As volatile and restless as its congener, it is yet still 

 more shy, flying, as if in terror, from one tree to another; but after 

 a certain time returns quickly to its first resting-place, and thus it 

 deludes those who design its capture, or the discovery of its nest. 



Its piercing shrill cry may be heard repeatedly from its retreat; 

 and it is continually engaged, with restless eagerness, in driving 

 away every rival or feathered intruder from the sanctuary of its 

 abode; Its song is not so unmelodious as that of the Sylvia olive- 

 torum, and is more like that of other members of its family, as S. 

 hippolais, the Melodious Willow Wren, or Latham^s Pettychaps, of 

 British naturalists. It is also, like the Olive Tree Warbler, very 

 difficult to capture, keeping constantly at the top of the olive trees, 

 hopping and gliding among the foliage, which has the same colour 

 as itself. 



The Olivaceous Warbler builds in the middle of May, in the 

 same situations, and a similar nest to the Olive Tree Warbler. The 

 nest is, however, smaller and less industriously made, though the 

 materials are the same. It lays four or five eggs, pale grey green, 



