456 



SEDGE BIRD. 



found in a tuft of rushes on the ground, or very near it, fastened round 

 the bottom of them ; at other times in a low bush, or on the tump of a 

 willow. The eggs are five or six in number, of a light brown-colour, 

 mottled with darker shades of the same ; their weight from twenty-four 

 to twenty-eight grains. The song of this bird has been erroneously 

 given to the reed-sparrow by various authors, whereas that bird has no 

 notes that deserve the name of song ; but as they frequent the same 

 places to breed, and the reed-sparrow is conspicuous on the upper 

 branches, while this little warbler, concealed in the thickest part, is 

 heard aloud, the song has been confounded. It has been justly re- 

 marked, that, if it is silent, a stone thrown into the bush will set it 

 singing instantly ; it will also sing of a moon-light night. 



The similitude in colour, size, manners, and habits, of this and the 

 reed-warbler, is so great that they have been most times confounded ; 

 but on comparison that bird will be found not to possess the broad 

 white streak over the eye, nor any of the feathers on the back and wing 

 coverts dusky. The nest and eggs are also essentially different, as may 

 be found by comparing the descriptions. This is also a much more 

 plentiful species, at least is not so local ; but is to be met with in most 

 parts of England and Scotland, whereas the other is confined to certain 

 tracts, especially to such where quantities of reeds grow. They are, 

 however, frequently found together, for wherever the reed-warbler is, 

 the Sedge Bird also inhabits ; but the reverse is not the case. 



* " We have frequently," says Syme, " heard and seen the reed-bunt- 

 ing in low hedges, where we have had their nests, and where we never 

 either heard or saw a sedge-warbler : besides, their notes are very un- 

 like each other. But it is quite correct, that, if it (the sedge-warbler,) 

 is silent, a stone thrown into the bush will set it a-singing instantly. 



" It feeds on dragon-flies, may-flies, ephemerae, and other insects 

 that frequent marshes ; and it is curious to see how quickly it darts 

 from the reeds or willow-roots, catches the fly, and flits back again. 

 This we have often observed. The reed-warbler sings a great deal, 

 both through the day and in the evening, but never in sight of any 

 person, if they are in motion. In order to see the bird, it is necessary 

 to sit or lie down." " It is almost," says Sweet, " continually in song 

 both by night and by day, and may be heard at a considerable distance, 

 generally beginning with < chit, chit, chiddy, chiddy, chiddy, chit, chit, 

 chit.' It is a very lively bird, and shows scarcely any symptoms of 

 fear, approaching very near to any person who does not drive or 

 frighten it." * 



