DARTFORD R’^ARBLER. 
121 
IXSESSORES. 
DEiyTIROSTRES. SYL VIA DJE. 
PLATE LXIX, 
DARTFORD WARBLER. 
Sylvia Provincialis. 
The Dartford Warbler, wliicli was formerly considered 
a very rare and local species in this country, has, of late 
years, been frequently found, perhaps because more diligently 
sought for, in many parts of England. It appears to con¬ 
fine itself entirely to heaths and commons, where it can have 
plenty of cover. In such a locality it was first observed in 
England, namely, on Bexley Heath near Dartford; and it 
has subsequently been found to inhabit similar localities in 
various other parts of the south of England. We are told 
by continental authors, of the frequent occurrence of this 
species in Spain, Italy, and the south of France ; but it is 
asserted not to be met with either in Holland, Germany, or 
more northern parts. The accounts of its being apparently 
confined to the southern coast of Europe, appear somewhat 
difficult to reconcile with the fact of its having been found 
in England at all seasons of the year, winter as well as 
summer, and we think that this and many other parts of 
its natural history require further elucidation. Possibly it 
does not migrate at all, but may remain stationary in all the 
above-mentioned countries throughout the year, as some of 
our little wrens do here. 
The great shyness of this species, renders it difficult to 
