MARSH WARBLER 



Warblers vary considerably. I have sometimes been im- 

 pressed with the remarkably small area which is embraced, 

 fifteen square yards in one instance being almost sufficient to 

 enclose the wanderings of the male. So small an area is 

 noteworthy when compared with that of other species living 

 in a similar environment. However, I am not in possession of 

 the daily records of a sufficient number of pairs to justify any 

 very definite conclusion upon this point. Nevertheless if at 

 some earlier period the bird had been an inhabitant of reed 

 beds, building its nest therein, the dimensions of its territory 

 must necessarily have been small, as in the case of the Reed 

 "Warbler; and although these dimensions would certainly 

 have been gradually modified to suit the new environment, 

 yet a reversion in certain cases to the former conditions would 

 be neither impossible nor unlikely, especially if the change had 

 been of comparatively recent occurrence. 



Before the arrival of a female, the male will be found to be 

 constantly moving around his territory, and if his wanderings 

 are carefully watched, it will be seen that they are not quite 

 so aimless as they may at first appear, but subject to some 

 routine. A certain tree or bush is selected and regarded as a 

 favourite resort. Erom this tree excursions are made into 

 different parts of the territory, but even these excursions bear 

 evident traces of that tendency towards routine so common in 

 animal life, for the short journeys are often made in the same 

 direction, the same bushes are selected and forced to give up 

 part of their stock of insect life, and then only is a return 

 made to the tree more especially favoured. In having a head- 

 quarters, therefore, the bird resembles the Eeed Warbler, and 

 for the matter of that many other species too. Various trees 

 are made use of for this purpose, alders, willows, or even clumps 

 of tall decayed vegetation ; and previous to the arrival of a 

 female more time is spent in this one spot than in the 

 remainder of the territory, and of that time a considerable 

 portion is passed in the exercise of those vocal masterpieces in 

 which the bird excels. 



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