CALAMOIIERPINiE. 159 



of Aerlon by Bonaparte), even approximate Eurycercus in their 

 mode of coloration. 



The next group comprises the Grasshopper Warblers, and some 

 affined forms, corresponding to the section Locustellece of Bonaparte. 

 Their plumage is striped or lark-like above, and they frequent 

 reeds and grass. The European species make their nests among 

 reeds. 



Gen. Locustella, Gould. 



Char. — Bill of moderate length, slender, straight, compressed, 

 barely deflected at the tip, which is slightly notched ; wings long, 

 with the 1st quill minute ; 2nd nearly equal to the third, which is 

 longest ; tail moderate, rounded or graduated ; hind claw very long, 

 much curved. 



520. Locustella certhiola, Pallas. 

 Turdus, apud Pallas — Locustella Raii, Gould, apud Blyth. 



The Lesser Heed-warbler. 



Descr. — Above pale olive-brown, all the feathers centred dark 

 brown ; tail uniform brown, tipped pale, especially as seen from be- 

 low; beneath white, tinged with earthy brown on the neck, breast, 

 and flanks ; lower tail-coverts fulvescent white, with narrow longi- 

 tudinal striae. In the spring moult the lower plumage is at first a 

 somewhat rich yellow. 



Bill dusky above, pale beneath ; irides hazel ; legs fleshy brown. 

 Length b\ inches ; wing 2,\ ; tail 2£ ; bill at front 11 mill. 



I first found this bird in long grass in the neighbourhood of 

 IVlhow, in Central India, during the rains, and Mr. Blyth then 

 considered it to be identical with the European Locustella Raii. 

 He subsequently procured it from Lower Bengal, not far from 

 Calcutta ; and I quite recently obtained it near Monghyr, and also 

 observed it in other places along the Ganges, and it probably will 

 be found in suitable localities throughout India. From the specimens 

 then procured, towards the end of March and beginning of April, 

 Mr. Blyth was led to doubt their identity with the English bird. 

 On comparing it with Tcmminck's description of L. certhiola, it 



