SYLVIINE. 55 
THE DARTFORD WARBLER. 
SyLvia unDATA (Boddaert). 
This Warbler derives its trivial name from the fact that it was first 
obtained near Dartford in 1773, by Latham; but subsequent 
research has shown that, although local, it is more generally distri- 
buted in England than was for a long time supposed. Allowing for 
a little wandering, it may be described as a resident species in the 
south, chiefly frequenting furze-covered commons ; and, apparently, 
extending its range both westward and northward of late years. It 
is known to breed in nearly all the southern counties from Corn- 
wall to Kent inclusive, especially in Hampshire (and the Isle of 
Wight), Surrey and Sussex ; sparingly in the valley of the Thames, 
and perhaps in some of the Midland counties ; while it has been 
observed in Cambridgeshire and undoubtedly nests in Suffolk and 
Norfolk. It is a skulking little bird, especially in dull rainy weather ; 
and a patch of gorse holding two or. three pairs may be easily passed 
over, even by a careful observer, as untenanted. In Ireland it has 
never been seen. 
It is possible that our stock of Dartford Warblers may be 
replenished from Normandy and the Channel Islands, though the 
bird is rather rare in the latter; but as a rule it migrates little, and 
no specimens exist to prove that it occurs in Belgium, Holland, 
Germany, or Heligoland. It is found throughout France in suitable 
localities, especially from the foot of the Western Pyrenees eastward ; 
