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,” saysSyme, ‘‘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 ‘ cktl, chiddy, chiddy, cldddy, 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.” * 
