THE DARTFORD WARBLER. 

 Sylvia undata (Boddaert). 

 Plate 6. 



The Dartford Warbler is easily distinguished from the Subalpine Warbler by 

 the tail being longer in proportion to the wing, by its much darker colour, and 

 the absence of the white streak under the eye. 



It was first noticed as a British bird near Dartford in 1773. Since then it 

 has been found in many other districts, mostly in the southern and south-western 

 counties. Unlike the other birds of this family, the Dartford Warbler lives 

 throughout the year among the tall furze-bushes and heather on our commons and 

 heaths, although sometimes in winter resorting to the turnip fields. 



Abroad it is found in many parts of Southern Europe, also in North Africa. 



The nest is placed in thick furze, sometimes in tall heather amongst furze, and 

 is lightly built of grass-stalks with some furze shoots and wool. It contains four 

 or five eggs of a greenish- or buffish-white, with brown spots. 



The food consists of insects and wild fruits. 



The Dartford Warbler has not much of a song, and the alarm notes of a pair 

 I had under observation lately, reminded me of the Whitethroat's. In habits it 

 is a quick and restless little bird, often spreading and flirting its long tail as it 

 perches on the topmost sprays of the furze-bushes. On the least alarm it hides 

 immediately. 



The female is slightly smaller and duller in colour than her mate. 



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