GARDEN WARBLER 



not bear the stamp of genuine effort ; perhaps they are but 

 excesses of the irresistible impulse which must clearly 

 dominate the situation at that time. The male probably 

 aids his mate in her work, though I have not actually seen 

 him doing so ; he at least keeps a close attendance upon her 

 and a careful watch on all her movements, never deserting 

 her for long and apparently only too anxious to return to her 

 when summoned. Whilst following her he may warble for a 

 few moments, and sometimes a quiet purring note is uttered 

 by both sexes ; but during this time individuals of other 

 species who approach the scene of operations too closely are 

 flown at and attacked. Two or three days are sufficient for 

 the completion of the nest, which is by no means an elaborate 

 piece of architecture ; flimsy it is in appearance and circular 

 in shape, the exterior and foundation being composed of dead 

 grasses rudely bent and entwined, and the interior of grasses 

 of a finer type. The lining, which covers the foundation and 

 reaches some distance up the walls, is composed of fine roots. 

 In appearance the foundation is the most delicately con- 

 structed portion, and one wonders how it can be of sufficient 

 strength to support the young. In circumference the nest 

 is approximately from 13" to 15", the external diameter 

 about 4J", and the internal from T to 2|". The walls 

 vary in thickness even in the same nest ; thus in one part 

 they may be 1" full, whereas in another about J" only. 

 One peculiar variation I have in my possession. It has 

 the appearance of — and I believe actually is — two nests in 

 one. The external depth is 5" as against the customary 

 2", the internal depth 2", and the circumference rather 

 above the average. The most interesting feature, however, 

 about this nest is the remarkable resemblance it bears to one 

 type of nest of the Marsh Warbler. It is composed of similar 

 materials, is similar in shape, and, more curious still, similarly 

 slung from the surrounding twigs by basket handles. It was 

 situated in a dense mass of dogwood, and coming upon it 

 whilst searching for the nest of a Marsh Warbler, I was 



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