BRITISH WARBLERS 



the throat of the performer, but is uttered in a jerky manner, 

 giving one the impression of a number of short sentences 

 with a full-stop at the end of each one, and of considerable 

 effort in commencing each new sentence. Notwithstanding 

 this peculiarity, their vocal powers may be said to have 

 reached a very high degree of development. To my mind 

 their song possesses an element of cheerfulness, due to some 

 extent, no doubt, to pleasant associations, and the tone 

 possesses a peculiar metallic ring which is not present in 

 a similar degree in the song of other birds with which I 

 am acquainted. When the males first arrive their song is 

 persistent, but after incubation has commenced it is not 

 uttered so frequently, and ultimately it is to a large extent 

 limited to the spasmodic outbursts referred to. In addition 

 to the song there are numerous call notes, some of which 

 are very similar to and difficult to distinguish from those 

 of the Sedge Warbler. It is possible to distinguish three 

 distinct calls ; the call-note proper used frequently by both 

 sexes during the mating period, and also when the young are 

 being attended to ; the scolding note peculiar to the assem- 

 blies ; and a harsh note uttered two or three times in succes- 

 sion, apparently as an expression of anger or annoyance, since 

 it is usually the forerunner of much fluttering and clicking 

 of bills. But the most interesting part of their vocal develop- 

 ment is undoubtedly the power of imitation, which, when 

 first heard, seems to equal that of the Blackcap or Marsh 

 Warbler. In reality, however, the bird is not so finished an 

 imitator as these other two species ; for whereas the Blackcap 

 will produce part or whole of the song of another species in 

 so perfect a manner as to deceive the human ear, the Eeed 

 Warbler does not seem to be capable of doing so. Its 

 imitative faculty is generally limited to reproducing the call 

 notes and cries of various species inhabiting the same neigh- 

 bourhood, but some are undoubtedly produced from 

 memory. I have heard a male, inhabiting some reeds sur- 

 rounding an inland sheet of water, imitating the cry of the 



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