48 BRITISH BIRDS’ EGGS. 
Sus-ramity PHYLLOSCOPINA. 
WOOD WREN (or WARBLER). 
PHYLLOSCOPUS SIBILATRIX, Bechst. 
Pl. X., figs. 1, 2. 
Geogr. distr.—In Europe extends northward as far as S. Sean- 
dinavia, and eastward to the Ural Mountains; winters in N. Africa, 
breeding generally in England, Wales, the Southern and Midland 
Counties of Scotland ; in Ireland it is rare. 
Food.—Insects and larve. 
Nest.—A domed structure with stout walls, composed of dry grass 
bents, a few dead leaves and a little moss, neatly lined with horsehair 
and finer bents. 
Position of nest.—On the ground, concealed amongst dry foliage 
or a tussock of grass, usually in beech or oak woods. 
Number of eggs.—5-7 ; usually 6. 
Time of nidification—V-V1 ; early in May. 
This bird is with us from about the end of April to 
September ; it appears to affect localities which abound in 
high trees, but is everywhere very local. Its song is loud, 
and has been represented by the word “twee” sounded 
very long, repeated at first slowly but afterwards more 
rapidly, and interrupted at intervals by the variation 
‘‘chea”’ ‘chea”’ ‘‘chea.”” As with other Warblers, the song 
ceases as soon as the young ones are hatched. 
According to My. Harting, the Wood Warbler differs from 
the Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff in its brighter green 
colour above and purer white beneath, the more distinct 
yellow line over its eye, shorter tail, and proportionately 
longer wings, whilst the song of all three differs enough 
to enable one to distinguish them at a good distance. 
