THE SINGING BIRDS. 



257 



and one inch and a half broad. The eggs, from three to five in number, are of an oval shape, 

 and have a pale grey or reddish shell, marked with dark brown or black. Both parents feed and 

 tend their nestlings with great care and affection. This species is sometimes seen in North-western 

 Africa. 



The MARSH WARBLERS {Calamodyttz) are recognisable by their slender body, narrow, flat- 

 browed head, short rounded wing, in which the second or third quill, or both, exceed the rest in 

 length ; moderate-sized tail, which is either rounded, graduated, or conical ; and powerful foot, armed 

 with strong toes and large hooked claws. The beak varies somewhat in different species. The 



THE REED warbler (Acrocephalus turdoides). 



plumage of all is compact, harsh in texture, and usually of a greyish-yellow or olive green tint. In 

 ah the different species a light stripe passes over the region of the eye. 



The Marsh Warblers inhabit all parts of our globe, but are particularly numerous in the Eastern 

 Hemisphere. As their name indicates, they principally frequent marshy districts overgrown with 

 reeds, rushes, or long grass, and only occasionally seek their food upon bushes ; they entirely avoid 

 mountain ranges, as the water that flows in the vicinity of the latter is too frequently agitated to suit 

 their requirements. All lead a somewhat retired life within the limits of their favourite haunts, but 

 are readily discovered by their very peculiar yet by no means unpleasing song, which is to be heard 

 almost throughout the entire day. They fly but little, and with an unsteady fluttering movement, 

 keeping the tail outspread, and always appear very unwilling to mount into the air. They hurry over 

 the ground with wonderful rapidity, and slip in and out of tiny crevices with a celerity that fully equals 

 that of a mouse. They also hop nimbly from point to point, and climb the perpendicular stems of 

 reeds or long grass with the utmost facility. Insects of all kinds afford them their principal means 

 vol. 11. — 72 



