THE REED WARBLER. 
345 
reeds and sedges will always induce it to recommence its little 
song. 
A remarkably beautiful nest is built by one of the British 
birds, but is not often found, on account of the localities where 
it is placed. 
The architect of this nest is the Reed Warbler ( Salicaria [or 
Curruco\ arundinacea). It is a pretty little bird, bright brown 
above, yellow-brown below. In some respects it resembles the 
sedge warbler, but does not possess the remarkable wedge- 
shaped tail of that bird. R. Mudie, in his History of British 
Birds, offers the following suggestion respecting this difference of 
form. When treating of the sedge warbler, he remarks that the 
slender head, pointed bill, and wedged-shaped tail are useful to 
the bird by enabling it to glide between the tall aquatic plants 
among which it resides and finds its food. Of the Reed War- 
bier he writes as follows 
‘ That the bird is not adapted for so many situations as the 
sedge bird, might be inferred from the different form of the tail, 
which is more produced and not wedge-shaped, so that while it 
answers better as a balance on the bending reeds or other 
flexible aquatic plants, it would not be so convenient among the 
unyielding sprays of a hedge or brake. The bird rarely, if ever, 
perches upon the tops of reeds, even on its first arrival, and 
when the song of invitation to a mate is given, its place is on a 
leaf or a leaning stem, though upon an emergency it can cling 
to an upright one, the stiff feathers of the tail acting as a sort 
of prop. 
4 It is not easily raised, and remains but a very short time 
upon the wing, but it is by no means timid on its perch, upon 
which, if it be very flexible, it sits with its wings not quite 
closed, but recovered, so as to have a little hold on the air, and 
thereby either prevent its fall or be ready when a gust comes, to 
bear it to a more secure footing. Its food is found wholly over 
the stagnant waters. The Reed Warbler does not come until the 
reeds are considerably advanced, and it departs before they are 
cut ; so that it dwells in peace, and especially in the mornings 
