Nest, &c. 
Food. 
General 
descrip- 
tion. 
170 PASSERES. SYLVIA. SrpcE WARBLER. 
it sits concealed. It has been frequently confounded with 
the reed wren, which possesses similarity of form and habits ; 
but, in this case also, the above-mentioned eye-streak proves 
a sufficient token of distinction. In addition to which, it is 
an abundant species, and very widely distributed ; while the 
reed-wren appears limited to a few districts in the southern part 
of the kindom. The sedge warbler builds amongst the aqua- 
tic plants it chiefly frequents, often suspending its nest be- 
tween three or four of the closest adjoining reed-stems. 
I have also found its nest in willow and low birchen 
bushes. It-is composed of a little moss, intermixed with 
coarse grasses, lined with hair, and fine dry grass. The 
eggs are five or six in number, of a pale wood-brown, speck- 
led with darker shades of the same colour. The food of this 
species consists of various aquatic flies, worms, and small 
slugs. 
According to ''EMMINCK, it is very abundant throughout 
Holland, and is found also in Germany and France. In 
Great Britain I have traced it to the northern parts of Scot- 
land. 
Pirate 45 * *. Fig. 2. natural size. 
Crown of the head deep-yellowish-brown, spotted with 
dark liver-brown. Back and wing coverts yellowish- 
brown, the centres of the feathers being darker. Rump 
and upper tail-coverts pale yellowish-brown. Above the 
eye is a broad and distinct yellowish-white streak. Chin 
and throat white ; the rest of the under parts yellowish- 
white, inclining to pale yellowish-brown upon the breast. 
Wings blackish-brown, margined with pale yellowish- 
brown. Tail wedge-shaped, dark yellowish-brown. Legs 
and toes blackish-brown. 
The female is similar in plumage to the male bird. 
