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found the nest was just begun. As early as the 19th the nest
appeared to be finished; but it possessed only one egg on the 21st,
and on the 26th it contained four, when the nest and eggs were
secured. The nest is composed of dry vegetable stalks, particularly
goose grass, mixed with the tender dead branches of furze, not
sufficiently hard to become prickly. These are put together in a very
loose manner, and intermixed very sparingly with wool. In one of
these nests was a single Partridge's feather. The lining is equally
sparing, for it consists only of a few dry stalks of some species of
carex without a single leaf of the plant, and only two or three of the
panicles. This thin flimsy structure, which the eye pervades in all
parts, much resembles the nest of the Whitethroat. The eggs are
also somewhat similar to those of the Whitethroat, weighing only
twenty-two grains; like the eggs of that species, they possess a
slight tinge of green; they are fully speckled all over with olivaceous
brown and cinereous, on a greenish-white ground, the markings
becoming more dense and forming a zone at the larger end. The
young were considered no small treasure, and were taken as soon
as the proper age arrived for rearing them by hand, which is at the
time the tips of the quills and the greater coverts of the wings
expose a portion of the fibrous end. By experience grasshoppers
(which at this season of the year are to be procured in abundance)
are found to be an excellent food for all insectivorous birds; these,
therefore, at first were their constant food, and, after five or six
days, a mixture of bread and milk, chopped boiled meat, and a little
finely powdered hemp and rape seed, made into a thick paste, to
wean them from insect food by degrees; this they became more
partial to than even grasshoppers, but they afterwards preferred
bread and milk, with pounded hemp seed only, to every other food,
the smaller house or window flies excepted. Before these birds left
their nest I put them into a pair of scales, and found that they
weighed two drachms and a quarter each. At this time they ate in
one day one drachm and a quarter each, so that in two days each
consumed more than its own weight. Such a repletion is almost
incredible, and doubtless greatly beyond what the parent birds could
usually supply them with, which, by observation, appeared to consist
of variety, and, not unfrequently, small Phælenæ; their growth,
however, was in proportion to the large supply of food. This
interesting little family began to throw out some of their mature
feathers on each side of the breast about the middle of August, and
the sexes became apparent. At this time they had forsaken their
grasshopper food, feeding by choice on the soft victuals before
mentioned. The nestling attachment of these little birds was very
conspicuous towards the dusk of the evening; for a long time after
they had forsaken the nest they became restless, and apparently in
search of a roosting-place, flying about the cage for half an hour, or
until it was too dark to move with safety, when a singular soft note
was uttered by one which had chosen a convenient spot for the
night, at which instant they all assembled, repeating the same
plaintive cry. In this interesting scene, as warmth was the object of
all, a considerable bustle ensued, in order to obtain an inward berth,
those on the outside alternately perching upon the others, and
forcing in between them; during this confusion, which sometimes
continued for a few minutes, the cuddling note was continually
emitted, and in an instant all was quiet. Nothing can exceed the
activity of these little creatures; they are in perpetual motion the
whole day, throwing themselves into various attitudes and
gesticulations, erecting the crest and tail at intervals, accompanied
by a double or triple cry, which seems to express the words 'Cha!
cha! cha!' They frequently take their food while suspended to the
wires with their heads downwards, and not unusually turn over
backwards on the perch. The males, of which there were three out
of the four, began to sing with the appearance of their first mature
feathers, and continued in song all the month of October, frequently
with scarcely any intermission for several hours together; the notes
are entirely native, consisting of considerable variety, delivered in a
hurried manner, and in a much lower tone than I have heard the old
birds in their natural haunts. This song is different from anything of
the kind I ever heard, but in part resembles that of the Stone Chat.
The Dartford Warbler will sometimes suspend itself on wing over the
furze, singing the whole time, but is more frequently observed on
the uppermost spray in vocal strain for half an hour together."
The same habits were observed by "Rusticus," of Godalming, who,
writing in "Loudon's Magazine," says:—"Its habits are very like those
of the little Wren; and when the leaves are off the trees, and the
chill winter winds have driven the summer birds to the olive gardens
of Spain, or across the Straits, the Furze Wren, as it is there called,
is in the height of its enjoyment. I have seen them by dozens
skipping about the furze, lighting for a moment on the very point of
the sprigs, and instantly diving out of sight again, singing out their
angry, impatient ditty, for ever the same. They prefer those places
where the furze is very thick, high, and difficult to get in."
The period of incubation commences early in the spring, each brood
(of which there are always two, sometimes three, in the course of
the season) consisting of four or five eggs. When first fledged the
nestlings are unable to fly, and run over the ground exactly after the
fashion of young mice. Whilst the little family is in this helpless
condition, the parents are constantly in a state of great excitement
and anxiety; their cry of admonition or warning is then to be heard
incessantly; even when the young are sufficiently advanced to perch
upon the branches, the same cautious watchfulness against
approaching danger is maintained, and we have often amused
ourselves by observing the precipitation with which the whole group
of little Blackheads disappear as the obedient nestlings hurry to
some safe shelter within the bush or tree, at the first signal from
their vigilant parents. Such of these birds as inhabit mountain ranges
do not migrate; in Spain they live at an altitude of 3,000 feet above
the sea, and even when the snow begins to fall they merely come
into the valleys below, and never wander to any great distance from
their native haunts.

The TREE WARBLERS (Phylloscopi) constitute a family whose

members are met with throughout the world. With the exception of
one group, all are small, slender, delicately-shaped birds, with
comparatively long wings, in which the third, fourth, and fifth quills
usually exceed the rest in length. The tail is of moderate size, either
quite straight or slightly incised at the extremity, and these tarsi are
of medium height. The beak is awl-shaped, slender, rather flat at its
base, and in some instances somewhat broader than it is high. The
plumage is soft, and very uniform in colour; it is usually of a pale
green or brown on the back, and yellowish on the under side. All the
species with which we are acquainted principally frequent the
summits of trees, but come down occasionally to seek their insect
food upon the rushes, or in the fields of corn; they seldom consume
berries, unless compelled to do so by hunger. All are active and
restless, and display great agility, both among the branches and
when running over the surface of the ground; their powers of flight
are also good, their voice always agreeable, and their senses well
and sometimes highly developed. Such as inhabit Southern Europe,
Asia, and Africa do not migrate, whilst those in milder latitudes leave
their native lands late in the autumn, and return to them again in
the early spring. These latter species generally breed twice during
the summer, and lay from four to seven delicate white or pale rose-
red eggs, marked with dark spots. The nests of all are constructed
with the utmost care.

THE FIELD TREE WARBLER, OR WILLOW

WREN.
The FIELD TREE WARBLER, or WILLOW WREN (Phyllopneuste Trochilus), is
a slenderly-formed bird with long wings, in which the third and
fourth quill exceeds the rest in length. The tail is of moderate size,
and slightly incised at its extremity; the beak is delicate, broad at its
base, and compressed at its tip. The lax plumage is of an olive green
upon the upper parts of the body, and white on the under side, the
breast being tinged with greyish yellow; a yellowish-white stripe
passes over the eyes, and the cheek stripes are deep grey; the quills
and tail-feathers are grey, edged with green, and the lower wing-
covers light yellow; the eye is brown; the beak and legs grey. After
the moulting season the under side becomes a pale yellow. This
species is four inches and eleven lines long, and seven inches four
lines broad; both wing and tail measure about two inches. The sexes
are alike in colour; the young are greyish green above and yellowish-
white on the throat; the rest of the under side is white, tinted with
yellow.

THE FIELD TREE WARBLER, OR WILLOW WREN (Phyllopneuste

Trochilus).

The Field Tree Warblers inhabit the whole continent of Europe, a

large portion of Northern Africa, and some parts of North America.
During their migrations they also occasionally visit India and
Northern Africa. For the most part, however, such as quit Northern
and Central Europe for the winter do not wander farther than its
more southern countries. These birds alike frequent highlands and
lowlands, and usually pass the summer months in disporting
themselves about the leafy summits of lofty trees. In autumn, on the
contrary, they come down into the brushwood and beds of reeds or
rushes, or, in Southern Europe, alight in the fields of maize in quest
of food; dense forests they appear almost entirely to avoid. The
song of this species is pleasing and flute-like; its chief beauty,
however, consists in the delicacy of intonation and rapid swelling and
sinking of sound in which the male indulges, as he sits with drooping
wing, inflated throat, and raised crest, upon a projecting branch, or
flutters rapidly from bough to bough, in order to attract the attention
of his intended mate; at such times the female also utters a faint
twittering kind of song. Like the Tree Warblers, these birds are
particularly active among the foliage; they do not creep in the quiet
mouse-like manner above described, but flutter about with a
constant brisk agitation of the tail that cannot fail to betray their
presence to an observant eye. While perched the body is usually
held erect, but is kept somewhat bowed down as the bird hops upon
the ground; this latter mode of progression is accomplished with
some difficulty, each long hop, or rather leap, being followed by a
succession of rapid gesticulations with the head before another
effort is made. Their flight is capable of being long sustained, but is
somewhat inelegant, and appears unsteady, as it is usually
undulating and carried on by a series of very irregular efforts. The
same restless activity is also observable in the conduct of these birds
towards all their feathered companions; the slightest injury or
annoyance is resented with much fury, and even the sportive
exercises in which they frequently indulge usually terminate with a
series of violent flappings and peckings given on either side, rather
in downright earnest than in play. The nest is carefully concealed in
a hollow in the ground or in the trunk of some tree, and built
entirely by the female, who commences her operations by hacking at
the hole or aperture till it is of the requisite depth. The utmost
caution is displayed by the anxious mother to prevent the discovery
of her future abode. For this reason she seldom works except during
the early morning, and at other times never remains near the scene
of her operations. The nest itself is cone-shaped, with thick walls, in
one side of which a hole is left for entrance; dry leaves, stalks, moss,
and grass are employed for the exterior, while the interior is snugly
lined with feathers, those of partridges being usually preferred. From
five to seven eggs form a brood; these are laid about May, and are
oval in shape, smooth, glossy, and white, more or less spotted with
light red. During the period of incubation the female displays much
anxiety for the safety of her eggs, and even when alarmed will not
leave them until she is forcibly removed. At mid-day her mate takes
his place on the nest for an hour or two, but with this exception
gives her no assistance; both parents, however, combine to rear and
protect the nestlings, and endeavour to attract the attention of any
intruder on their privacy and divert it to themselves, by hurrying to a
distance and uttering cries of distress. The young are fledged by the
end of May, and a second brood is produced in June.

The LEAF WRENS (Reguloides) constitute a group inhabiting

Southern Asia and the provinces of the Himalaya. In these birds the
beak is comparatively shorter than that of the true Tree-Warblers.
The wings are long and more pointed, and the legs shorter and
weaker. All such species as inhabit India frequent mountainous
districts.

THE LEAF WREN.

The LEAF WREN (Reguloides Proregulus), a member of the above
group, that wanders from its native lands and appears in Europe, is
greyish green on the upper portion of the body, and yellowish white
on the under side; the rump is bright green; a yellowish-green line
passes over the top of the head; and a reddish-yellow streak over
the eye; the wings are also decorated with two whitish-yellow
stripes. The eye is dark brown; the beak blackish brown above, and
of a yellowish shade beneath; the foot is pale brown. The body is
four inches long and six and a quarter broad; the wing measures
two inches and the tail an inch and a half. This bird is a native of
Central Asia, and is commonly met with in India and China during
the winter; it has also been seen repeatedly in Southern Europe, and
more rarely in the central countries of our continent. The nest of this
species is spherical, and is constructed of fibres of various kinds
woven neatly together with spiders' webs, and fastened firmly upon
a branch at a considerable height from the ground. This elegant little
abode is entered by two holes, the one at the side and the other in
front; the latter, which is used most frequently, is protected by a
projecting cover.

The GARDEN WARBLERS (Hypolais), by far the most attractive group

of this numerous race, resemble their congeners in little except the
colour of their plumage, and are readily distinguishable from them
by the comparative compactness of their body, length of wing (in
which the third and fourth quill are longer than the rest), and the
thickness of their tarsus. The beak is large, broad, and powerful,
compressed at its margin; and the tail is incised at its extremity. The
habits and song of the Garden Warblers differ no less remarkably
from those of other members of their family; their nests are open
above, and are built upon trees, instead of upon the ground; even
the eggs do not resemble those laid by other Warblers.

THE MELODIOUS WILLOW WREN.

The MELODIOUS WILLOW WREN (Hypolais hortensis or Hypolais
salicaria), one of the five species of this group known in Europe, is
greenish grey on the upper portions of the body, and light sulphur
yellow beneath; the quills are pale blackish brown, edged with green
on the outer web; the tail-feathers are lighter than the quills, and
are bordered on the exterior web with dirty white; the eye is dark
brown, the beak greyish brown, and reddish yellow at the base of
the lower mandible; the foot is light blue. The length of the body is
five inches and a half, the breadth nine inches and a half; the wing
measures three inches and one-third, and the tail two inches.
Central Europe must be regarded as the actual home of this pretty
bird, but it is also met with in the northern part of the Continent as
far as Scandinavia; it is but rarely seen in the south, where it is
replaced by very similar species. Its autumnal migrations extend as
far as Africa, and are commenced unusually early in the season, as
this bird is particularly delicate and quite unable to endure the
vicissitudes of climate so prevalent on our continent at the close of
the year; nor does it venture to return until the spring is far
advanced, and the trees are completely covered with their leaves. As
their name implies, the Garden Warblers almost invariably resort to
cultivated districts, and prefer orchards, hedges, and gardens. When
compelled to occupy the latter situations they generally frequent
such trees as skirt the denser parts of the thicket, into whose
recesses they rarely venture to penetrate, and are never met with in
forests of fir or pine, or in mountain regions. In the localities
favoured by their presence a certain limited district is selected, and
to this the birds regularly return, season after season, defending
their little territory from all intrusion with the utmost courage and
obstinacy. In an instance that came under our own notice a
pertinacious individual occupied the same domain for seven
successive years. The voice of this species varies considerably in
quality, but is never remarkable for sweetness; indeed, its only
charm may be said to consist in the spirit and animation with which
the singer pours out his notes, as he flutters about the highest trees,
or perches, with body erect and raised crest, upon a projecting
branch. When upon the ground the Melodious Willow Wren hops
with difficulty, and usually with the head and neck thrown forward;
in the air, on the contrary, it moves with rapidity and lightness.
Insects of all kinds constitute its principal means of subsistence, but
it also devours fruit, and does considerable damage in the cherry
orchards. It occasionally destroys bees, and in an instance that came
under our own notice the offending bird actually beat against the
hives in order to compel its unconscious victims to come out. If
undisturbed the Melodious Willow Wren breeds but once in the year,
usually at the end of May or beginning of June; the eggs, from four
to six in number, are rose-red or reddish grey, veined and spotted
with black or reddish brown. The very beautiful purse-shaped nest is
firmly built with grass, leaves, or any vegetable fibres, intermixed
with spiders' webs, paper, and similar materials; the interior is lined
with feathers and horsehair. The parents brood alternately, and the
young are hatched within thirteen days; the nestlings are reared
upon insects, and protected most carefully from danger by the wily
stratagems above alluded to.

THE CHIFF-CHAFF.
The CHIFF-CHAFF (Hippolais or Sylvia rufa) is four inches and three-
quarters long and seven broad; the bill is brownish black, inclining to
yellow at the edges; the mouth of a pale saffron-yellow tint. The
plumage below is pale lemon yellow; the belly mixed with silvery
white, and the vent and under tail-covers inclining to deep straw
yellow; the quill and tail-feathers are dusky, edged with yellow,
except the exterior tail-feather on each side, which is plain. The
female resembles her mate.
This bird visits England about the end of March. It makes its nest
upon the ground, constructing it externally of dry leaves and coarse
grass, with a lining of feathers. The eggs are six in number, white,
and speckled at the larger end with purplish red, and an occasional
single speck on the sides. Its double note, which is four or five times
repeated, resembles the words "Chip-Chop," and hence its name of
Chiff-Chaff. It is said to feed principally on the larvæ of the different
species of Tortrix that are rolled up in the unfolding buds of various
trees, rendering good service in devouring those insects that would
otherwise destroy a great part of the fruit. If the weather is fine and
mild, these birds may be seen among the most forward trees in
orchards, flying from branch to branch and from tree to tree, chasing
each other, and catching the gnats and small flies that come in their
way. In the summer they feed on the aphides which infest trees and
plants, and they are also very partial to small caterpillars, flies, and
moths.
Mr. Sweet says the Chiff-Chaff is easily taken in a trap, and soon
becomes tame in confinement; one that he caught was so familiar as
to take a fly from his fingers; it also learned to drink milk out of a
tea-spoon, of which it was so fond that it would fly after it all round
the room, and perch on the hand that held it without showing the
least symptom of fear.

THE CHIFF-CHAFF (Hippolais rufa).

THE ASHY GARDEN WARBLER.

The ASHY GARDEN WARBLER (Hypolais cinerescens) is entirely greyish
green on the upper portion, and whitish green on the under side of
the body. The eye is dark brown; the upper mandible horn colour,
and the lower one yellowish grey; the legs horn grey. The length of
the bird is five inches and seven lines, and the breadth about seven
inches and ten lines; the wing measures two inches and seven lines,
and the tail two inches and three lines; the female is about one line
shorter, and from two to four lines narrower than her mate. This
species inhabits Southern Europe, and is especially numerous in the
highly cultivated districts of Spain; there, as elsewhere, it frequents
vineyards, olive plantations, and fruit gardens, and ventures freely
into the immediate vicinity of the towns and villages; it appears
entirely to avoid mountain ranges and rocky localities. Unlike the
Willow Wren, the Ashy Garden Warbler is socially disposed towards
those of its own race, and it is not uncommon to see the pairs not
only living close to each other in the utmost harmony, but building
upon the same tree. Such as we have observed seemed entirely
without fear of men, for we have frequently known them to make
their nests close to crowded thoroughfares, in small gardens, and, in
one instance, in close vicinity to a public summer-house in Valencia,
that was usually illuminated with lanterns until after midnight. The
movements of these birds are similar to those of the species last
described, but their song, although monotonous and without any
particular beauty, somewhat resembles that of the Sedge Warblers.
The breeding season commences about the first week in June, and
continues until the end of July. The nest, which is built on a high
tree and fastened firmly between two upright and parallel twigs, has
a thick outer wall of grass, wool, stalks, and similar materials woven
together very compactly; the interior is usually about two inches
deep, and one inch and a half broad. The eggs, from three to five in
number, are of an oval shape, and have a pale grey or reddish shell,
marked with dark brown or black. Both parents feed and tend their
nestlings with great care and affection. This species is sometimes
seen in North-western Africa.

The MARSH WARBLERS (Calamodytæ) are recognisable by their

slender body, narrow, flat-browed head, short rounded wing, in
which the second or third quill, or both, exceed the rest in length;
moderate-sized tail, which is either rounded, graduated, or conical;
and powerful foot, armed with strong toes and large hooked claws.
The beak varies somewhat in different species. The plumage of all is
compact, harsh in texture, and usually of a greyish-yellow or olive
green tint. In all the different species a light stripe passes over the
region of the eye.
 THE REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus turdoides).

The Marsh Warblers inhabit all parts of our globe, but are
particularly numerous in the Eastern Hemisphere. As their name
indicates, they principally frequent marshy districts overgrown with
reeds, rushes, or long grass, and only occasionally seek their food
upon bushes; they entirely avoid mountain ranges, as the water that
flows in the vicinity of the latter is too frequently agitated to suit
their requirements. All lead a somewhat retired life within the limits
of their favourite haunts, but are readily discovered by their very
peculiar yet by no means unpleasing song, which is to be heard
almost throughout the entire day. They fly but little, and with an
unsteady fluttering movement, keeping the tail outspread, and
always appear very unwilling to mount into the air. They hurry over
the ground with wonderful rapidity, and slip in and out of tiny
crevices with a celerity that fully equals that of a mouse. They also
hop nimbly from point to point, and climb the perpendicular stems of
reeds or long grass with the utmost facility. Insects of all kinds afford
them their principal means of subsistence, and they also occasionally
eat berries; worms they utterly reject. Such as inhabit northern
climates migrate at the approach of winter. The purse-like nest built
by these birds is hung from a reed or twig close to the water's edge,
and most artistically constructed; its bottom being heavy, the sides
long, and the top turned inwards, so as to prevent the young from
falling out, should the unsteady little structure be exposed to a
violent wind. It is a remarkable fact that the Marsh Warblers appear
to be fully aware that they may occasionally expect an unusual rise
of water in the lake or stream near which they live, and always
anticipate the danger that from this cause might accrue to the little
family, by suspending the nest at a proportionate height from the
ground. The eggs are hatched by both parents, and the young
tended and fed long after they are fully fledged.

The REED WARBLERS (Acrocephalus) constitute a group possessing

most of the characteristics that distinguish this family. In these birds
the beak is almost straight, or very slightly curved at its extremity;
the wings are of moderate size, the third and fourth quills exceeding
the rest in length; the exterior tail-feathers are somewhat shortened,
and the foot unusually powerful. The compact and unspotted
plumage is usually olive green on the upper portion of the body, and
reddish or yellowish white beneath.

THE TRUE REED WARBLER.

The TRUE REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus turdoides) is about eight
inches long and eleven broad; the wing measures three inches and a
half, and the tail four inches and a quarter. This species is yellowish
grey on the mantle, and reddish white on the under side, shaded
with grey upon the throat. The female is somewhat smaller and
paler than her mate. The Reed Warblers inhabit Europe, from South
Scandinavia to Greece and Spain; in the extreme south and in
Northern Africa they are replaced by nearly allied species.
Everywhere they frequent such marshy localities as are overgrown
with reeds, and are never seen in mountainous regions or woodland
districts, or even upon the trees that grow near their favourite
haunts. The migratory season commences in September; but during
their wanderings, which often extend as far as Central Africa, they
pass direct from one piece of water to another, and never turn aside
in their course to linger in any but marshy or well-watered places.
Shortly after the return of these birds, at the end of April or
beginning of May, their loud resonant voices are to be heard not only
from sunrise to sunset, but frequently throughout the night. The
song is a strange combination of a great variety of harsh quavering
notes, more nearly resembling the croaking of the frogs whose
domain they share than the notes of any of the feathered creation.
While singing the males usually perch upon a reed or twig, with
drooping wing, outspread tail, inflated throat, and open beak, and
go through their noisy performance with an energetic desire to rival
every bird around them; such is the evident satisfaction they exhibit
at the result of their efforts, as to make the listener overlook the
want of vocal talent, in his amusement at the conceit of the self-
complacent songsters. The nests are commenced about June, and
are built near together, suspended firmly from the reeds that
overhang the surface of the pond or stream, some four or five being
drawn firmly together to make a safe support.
Like other Marsh Warblers, they display wonderful instinct in the
situation they select, and invariably build at such a height as is
secure from any unusual rising of the water; indeed, it has been
repeatedly observed that in certain years the nests of the Reed
Warblers were constructed at an unusual distance from the ground,
and this precaution has always been explained later in the season by
the fall of extraordinary heavy rain, that would inevitably have swept
away the little structures had they been placed in the situation
ordinarily selected. The nest itself is very long in shape, with the top
turned inwards, to render the nestlings secure in a high wind. The
walls are thick, formed of grass, stalks, fibres, and wool, lined with
cobwebs, horsehair, and similar materials. The eggs, four or five in
number, are of a bluish or greenish-white tint, spotted and veined
with dark brown and grey; the young are hatched in about a
fortnight, should the parent be undisturbed, and are tended with
great affection, even long after they are fully fledged. The Reed
Warblers, as we learn from Dr. Bennett, are commonly met with in
Australia. "One species" (Acrocephalus Australis), he tells us, "is very
numerous about the sedgy localities of the Nepean river; and
although it has been denied that any of the Australian birds are
endowed with a musical voice, this bird has a very loud, pleasing
song, enlivening the places it frequents. It is a migratory species,
arriving in the spring season—i.e., about September—and taking its
departure as winter commences. It builds its nest, suspended among
the reeds, in a similar manner to its congeners in Europe; it is
composed of the thin epidermis of reeds interwoven with dried
rushes. The sexes are alike. I did not see the eggs in the nests, but
they are stated to be four in number, of a greyish-white colour,
thickly marked all over with irregular blotches and markings of
yellowish brown, umber brown, and bluish grey."
The large Reed Warbler of India (Acrocephalus brunnescens) is,
according to Jerdon, very similar to the European species, but differs
in being something smaller in the relative size of the primaries, the
greater length of the wing, and the greater intensity of its colour.
The larger Reed Warbler is found in most parts of India in the cold
weather, for it is only a winter visitant. It extends into Assam,
Aracan, and China, in some parts of which latter country it probably
breeds. It frequents high reeds and grasses, high grain fields and
gardens, where it hunts among the rows of peas, beans, and other
vegetables. It clings strongly to the stalks of grain, and makes its
way adroitly through thick grass or bushes, concealing itself when
observed, and being with difficulty driven out. It feeds on small
grasshoppers, ants, and other insects. "I have," continues our
author, "heard it occasionally utter a harsh, clucking kind of note."
The SEDGE WARBLERS (Calamodus) are distinguished from the birds
above described by their inferior size, and by the comparative
shortness of their wings, in which the third quill is the longest; the
tail, moreover, is very decidedly rounded, and their plumage spotted.

THE SEDGE WARBLER.

THE SEDGE WARBLER (Calomodus phragmitis).

The SEDGE WARBLER (Calamodus phragmitis) is about five inches and

a half long, and eight and a quarter broad; the wing measures two
and a quarter, and the tail two inches. The plumage on the upper
portion of the body is yellowish brown, spotted with dark brown, the
under side a reddish white; a yellow streak passes over the eyes,
and the posterior quills have light edges. The eye is brown, the beak
brownish black, except at its margins, and the base of the under
mandible, which are of a light yellowish red; the foot is dirty yellow.
In the young, the mantle is reddish grey and the under side reddish
yellow, spotted on the region of the crop with dark grey or brown.
This species inhabits all the European countries that extend from 68°
north latitude as far as Greece and Spain, usually arriving in April
and leaving again in October, when it wanders as far as Northern
Africa. In the latter continent it is often seen upon the plains covered
with halfa grass, but in Europe it always frequents such marshy
districts as are overgrown with rushes, sedge, grass, and small-
leafed water plants. Its flight is very unsteady, but in other respects
its movements are unusually nimble and agile; the song is pleasing,
flute-like, and very varied. Except during the period of incubation,
which commences in June, these birds usually lead a very retired life
amid the beds of grass or rushes, but at the latter season they
emerge, and take up their quarters on the surrounding trees and
bushes, where they engage in a series of vocal concerts, each
inspired with the hope of outdoing its numerous rivals in the favour
of some attractive female. Should any one of the feathered
competitors venture to intrude upon the same branch as the
energetic singer he is at once driven with much violence from the
spot, to prevent a repetition of the offence. During the whole time
that the female broods the male bird exhibits the same anxious
desire to please her, and is often heard gaily carolling from dawn of
day till far into the night. "The song," says Mudie, "is hurried but
varied, not so much in the single stave as in its having several of
them, which would lead one to imagine that there were several
birds. It sings in the throat, and gives a sort of guttural twist to all it
utters." At times, in his excitement, he rises rapidly into the air, and,
after hovering for a few moments with wings raised high above the
body, slowly descends or drops, like a stone, to the spot whence he
ascended. At this period of the year, not only the manner of flight,
but the whole nature of the male bird seems changed, and he
exhibits a fearlessness that contrasts strangely with his usual
cautious and timid demeanour. Like other members of this family,
the Sedge Warbler subsists principally upon insects, and occasionally
devours various kinds of berries. The nest, which is placed amongst
clumps of sedge, grass, or rushes, on marshy ground, at not more
than a foot and a half from its surface, is firmly suspended to the
surrounding stalks, and formed of hay, stubble, roots, and green
moss, woven thickly and firmly together, and lined with horsehair,
feathers, and delicate blades of grass. The eggs, from four to six in
number, are of a dirty white, more or less shaded with green, and
spotted and streaked or marbled with brownish grey. Both parents
assist in the labour of incubation, and hatch the young in about
thirteen days, if undisturbed; but, if molested, they frequently desert
the nest, and at once commence preparations for another brood. At
first, the female alone appears to feel solicitude or care for her eggs,
her mate usually amusing himself until they are hatched, by singing
and fluttering about throughout the entire day, and exhibiting no
distress, even should both mother and brood be removed or
destroyed. No sooner, however, have the nestlings left the shell than
his interest is awakened, and he tends and protects them with
anxious care. The young quit the nest as soon as they are fledged,
and run like mice about the surrounding stalks, until they are strong
enough to fly.
 Plate 20, Cassell's Book of Birds
THE ORONOKO CORACINA ____ Coracina Oronocensis
about 5/8 Nat. size

[See larger version]

"The Sedge Warbler," says Mr. Yarrell, "is a summer visitor to this
country, arriving in April and leaving again in September, but on one
occasion a single specimen was observed near High Wycombe, in
Buckinghamshire, in winter. Immediately on its arrival it takes to
thick cover by the water-side, and is much more frequently heard
than seen; though it may occasionally be observed flitting on the
uppermost twigs of the willows it inhabits, giving rapid utterance to
a succession of notes as it flies from one branch to another. White,
of Selborne, appears to have first made Pennant acquainted with
this species, and, with his usual acuteness, detailed the habits of the
bird, particularly remarking its power of imitating the notes of other
birds and its singing at night. The observations of others in various
localities have confirmed the accuracy of his remarks, and the Sedge
Warbler, in the situations it frequents, may be heard throughout the
day, and frequently during a summer night, imitating the notes of
various birds in a somewhat confused and hurried manner; and
should he desist for a few minutes' rest, it is only necessary to throw
a stone or clod of dirt among the bushes—he will immediately
commence a series of repetitions, but seldom quits his covered
retreat." "The marshy banks of the Thames, on either side of the
river, where beds of reeds or willows abound," continues the same
accurate writer, "are well stocked with this bird; although, from the
wet and muddy nature of the ground, they are not very easy to get
at. In the southern and western counties it occurs in Hampshire,
Dorsetshire, Devonshire, Cornwall, and in Wales; and is a summer
visitor to the north of Ireland. It occurs also in the marshes of Essex,
in Suffolk, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Northumberland, and
Lancashire, and was traced by Mr. Selby, in Sutherlandshire, to the
northern extremity of the island; it was found pretty generally
distributed along the margins of the lochs, particularly where low
birchen coppice and reedy grass abounded. The well-known
babbling notes of this wakeful little songster proclaimed its presence
in many unexpected situations."

The GRASSHOPPER WARBLERS (Locustella) constitute a group

presenting the following characteristics:—Their slender body is much
deeper than it is broad; the awl-shaped beak, wide at its base; the
foot of moderate height, and toes long; the wings, in which the
second and third quills exceed the rest in length, are short and
rounded; the tail is broad, of medium size, graduated at its
extremity, and the feathers are of unusual length. The rest of the
plumage is soft and delicate, usually of a brownish green above,
with dark spots on the back and upper part of the breast. The voice
of these birds is very remarkable, the sounds they produce being
very similar to the chirping notes of the cricket or grasshopper. All
frequent localities overgrown with grass or plants, and differ as to
their habits in many essential particulars from other members of the
family.

THE GRASSHOPPER WARBLER.

The GRASSHOPPER WARBLER (Locustella certhiola or L. Rayii) is from
four inches and three-quarters to five inches and a half long, and
from seven and a half to eight broad; the wing measures two inches
and a half, and the tail from one inch and five-sixths to two inches.
Upon the upper part of the body the plumage is olive grey or
yellowish brown, decorated with oval brownish-black spots; the
throat is white, the upper breast reddish yellow spotted with dark
grey, the belly whitish or yellowish white, somewhat deeper in hue
at its sides; the lower tail-covers white, with light brown spots upon
the shafts; the quills are blackish brown, with narrow yellowish-grey
edges, which increase in breadth towards the roots; the tail-feathers
are of a deep greenish brown, striped with a darker shade and
surrounded by a light border; the eye is greyish brown, the beak
horn grey, and the foot light red. After the moulting season the
under side is yellower than before. In the young the breast is
unspotted.
The Grasshopper Warbler is found throughout Central Europe and
Central Asia. In England it arrives about April and departs in
September, and during the course of its migrations wanders as far as
China. Unlike most of its congeners, this bird does not confine itself
to any particular situation, but occupies fields and woodland districts
as frequently as marshy tracts or brushwood. Everywhere, however,
it seeks the shelter of the densest foliage of the bushes, or creeps
about close to the ground beneath the overspreading leaves of
plants growing by the water-side. In both these situations it displays
the utmost activity in evading pursuit; if alarmed, the tail is
brandished aloft, and the drooping wings agitated from time to time;
upon the ground it runs with ease, keeping the neck outstretched
forward, and the hinder portion of the body constantly in motion. Its
flight is rapid, light, and very irregular.
"Nothing can be more amusing," says Gilbert White, "than the
whisper of this little bird, which seems close by, though at a hundred
yards' distance; and when close to your ear is scarce louder than
when a great way off. Had I not been acquainted with insects, and
known that the grasshopper kind is not yet hatched, I should have
hardly believed but that it had been a Locusta whispering in the
bushes. The country people laugh at you when you tell them that it
is the note of a bird. It is a most artful creature, skulking in the
thickest part of a bush, and will sing at a yard's distance, provided it
be concealed. I was obliged to get a person to go on the other side
of a hedge where it haunted, and then it would run creeping like a
mouse before us for a hundred yards together, through the bottom
of the thorns, yet it would not come into fair sight; but in a morning
early, and when undisturbed, it sings on the top of a twig, gaping
and shivering with its wings."
The food of this species varies somewhat with the situation it
occupies, but is always of the same description as that employed by
the other members of the family. The nest, which is most carefully
concealed in a great diversity of situations, is neatly formed of green
moss, or similar materials, lined with fibres and horsehair. The eggs,
from three to six in number, are of a dull white or pale rose red,
marked with reddish or brownish spots, strewn most thickly over the
broad end, and forming occasionally a slight wreath. It is probable
that both parents assist in the process of incubation. In some
seasons the Grasshopper Warbler produces two broods, the first at
the beginning of May and the second at the end of June.

The BUSH WARBLERS (Drymoicæ) constitute a very extensive group,

closely allied to those above described. They are of small size, with
short, rounded wings, comparatively slender and more or less
graduated tail, and moderately large and powerful feet. The beak is
of medium length, compressed at its sides, slightly curved along the
culmen; the plumage is usually of sombre appearance. Various
members of this group inhabit all parts of the world, and alike
frequent low brushwood, shrubs, reeds, long grass, or beds of
rushes. In all these situations they display extraordinary agility, but
their powers of flight are, without exception, feeble and clumsy. In
disposition they are sprightly, and very noisy, although almost
invariably without vocal talent. Beetles, worms, snails, and grubs
constitute their principal means of support. Their nests are always
remarkable for their great beauty, some species exhibiting great
artistic skill in their manner of weaving their materials together, while
the most famous members of the group, the wonderful "Tailor
Birds," literally sew leaves to each other, and employ them to
enclose the actual nest, or bed for the young.

THE PINC-PINC.
The PINC-PINC (Cisticola schœnicla) is very recognisable by its
short, delicate, and slightly curved beak, long tarsi, large toes, short
tail, and rounded wing, in which the fourth quill exceeds the rest in
length. The plumage of the adult is yellowish brown, the head being
spotted with three blackish and two light yellow streaks. The nape
and rump are brownish and unspotted; the throat and belly are pure
white; the breast, side, and lower tail-covers reddish yellow; the
quills are greyish black, edged on the outer web with reddish yellow.
The centre tail-feathers are reddish brown, the rest greyish brown,
bordered with white at the end, and decorated with a heart-shaped
black spot. The eye is brownish grey, the beak horn colour, and the
foot reddish. The young are only distinguishable from the adults by
the lighter colour of the under side. This species is four inches and a
quarter long, and two and a quarter broad; the wing measures one
inch and three-quarters, and the tail an inch and a half. The female
is a quarter of an inch shorter and half an inch narrower than her
mate. The Pinc-Pinc, as it is called by the Algerines, from a supposed
resemblance of those syllables to its note, is numerously met with in
Central and Southern Spain, Southern Italy, Greece, Sardinia,
Algiers, and India.
"This bird," says Jerdon, "is now considered identical with the
European one, and is also spread over the greater part of Africa. It is
found in every part of India, frequenting long grass, corn and rice
fields. It makes its way adroitly through the grass or corn, and often
descends to the ground to pick up insects; but I do not think that it
habitually runs along, as the name given by Franklin would imply,
but it rather makes its way through the grass or reeds, partly
hopping and partly flying. When put up it takes a short jerking flight
for a few yards, and then drops down into the grass again. It feeds
on ants, larvæ of grasshoppers, and various other small insects. As
Blyth remarks, 'It may commonly be observed to rise a little way into
the air, as is the habit of so many birds that inhabit similar situations,
repeating at intervals a single note, "Jik! jik!"' During the breeding
season the male bird may be seen seated on a tall blade of grass,
pouring forth a feeble little song. The nest is made of delicate
vegetable down, woven into the stems of a thick clump of grass, and
forming a compact and very beautiful fabric, with a small entrance
near the top, and the eggs are four or five in number, translucent
white, with reddish spots. It has been noticed that whilst the hen is
laying the male bird builds the nest higher."
According to Hausmann it is quite stationary in its habits, and our
own observations corroborate this statement. In Spain it occupies
low-lying places, and in Sardinia, we learn from the above-
mentioned authority that it frequents such flat parts of the sea-coast
as are marshy and overgrown with grass, but also frequently breeds
and lives in fields of corn. In North-western Africa it seeks meadows
and pasture-land, and in India dwells on any spot covered with
either long grass, corn, or rice. During the breeding season the male
is extremely active, and may be constantly seen flying restlessly
about, uttering its loud note, and fluttering boldly round and about
any intruder on its privacy; at other times it is somewhat timid. All
kinds of caterpillars, dipterous insects, and small snails constitute the
principal food of the Pinc-Pinc; these it gathers from the leaves or
seeks upon the ground, casting forth the harder portions after the
softer parts are digested. The nest, which we have repeatedly found
among long grass, reeds, and rushes, about half a foot from the
ground, is thus described by Le Vaillant:—"It is," he says, "usually
placed among prickly bushes, but sometimes on the extreme
branches of trees. It is commonly very large, some apparently larger
than others, but this difference of size is only external; in the interior
they are all of nearly the same dimensions, namely, between three
and four inches in diameter, while the circumference is often more
than a foot. As the nest is composed of the down of plants, it is of
snowy whiteness or of a brownish hue, according to the quality of
the down produced by the surrounding shrubs. On the outside it
appears to be constructed in an irregular and clumsy manner, in
conformity with the curvatures of the branches on which it is so
firmly attached (part of them passing through its texture), that it is
impossible to move it without leaving one-half behind. If, however,
externally, the nest has the appearance of being badly constructed,
we shall be all the more surprised to find that so small a bird,
without other instrument than its bill, wings, and tail, should have
felted vegetable down in such a manner as to render it a fabric as
united and firm as cloth of good quality. The nest itself is of a
rounded shape, with a narrow neck at its upper part, through which
the bird glides into the interior. At the base of this tubular neck there
is a niche, or shelf-like appendage, like a small nest resting against
the large one, which serves as a momentary resting-place, by means
of which the Pinc-Pinc may pass more easily into the nest, a feat
which, without such a contrivance, it might have some difficulty in
accomplishing, as it could not move through so small an entrance on
the wing, and the walls of the tube are so slightly formed, that the
bird would injure them were it constantly to rest upon them. This
little appendage is as firmly felted as the interior. Sometimes there
are two or three of these perches. It has until lately been supposed
that the female alone undertook the whole labour of building this
strange and beautiful structure, but we learn from Tristam, whose
statement is confirmed by Jerdon, that the male does considerably
more than half of the work. "I had the good luck," says Tristam, "to
find a nest that was just commenced, and was able daily to observe
the whole process. The first egg was laid before the outer wall was
more than an inch high, the male continuing to labour without
intermission, until by the time the nestlings were hatched the fabric
was quite firm, and full three inches in height. The eggs vary
considerably in appearance; those we found in Spain were of a
uniform light blue, others again are bluish green, sparsely marked
with small or large brown, reddish, or black spots, or pure white
spotted with bright red. The young are tended by both parents with
much affection; the male especially appears entirely to lay aside his
usual timidity, and will frequently follow an intruder for some
distance, uttering low cries, as if to scare him from the spot."
The proceedings of a family of young birds are most entertaining to
behold, as they climb and flutter about the grass or corn, while the
busy father and mother seek food for their hungry progeny. No
sooner has one of the parents succeeded in capturing an insect than
the whole flock hurry with tails upraised to receive it, each
scrambling with earnest endeavour to be first, and obtain the
coveted morsel. Should danger be at hand, the mother disappears
with her young to some safe retreat, while the father rises into the
air, and flies about in his usual manner. Savi tells us that the Pinc-
Pinc breeds thrice in the year—in April, June, and August. We
ourselves have found nests in May, June, or July.

The TAILOR BIRDS (Orthotomus) constitute a remarkable group of

Bush Warblers, and are at once recognisable by their elongated
body, much rounded wing, in which the fifth and sixth quills are the
longest; their short abruptly rounded or graduated tail, composed of
very narrow feathers; and by their powerful feet with high tarsi and
short toes; the beak is long, straight, broad at the base, and pointed
at the tip, and in every respect admirably adapted for the sewing
operations it has to perform; the base of the bill is surrounded by a
few delicate bristles; the plumage is smooth and brightly coloured,
usually green on the back and rust-red on the head.

THE LONG-TAILED TAILOR BIRD.

THE LONG-TAILED TAILOR BIRD (Orthotomus longicauda).

The LONG-TAILED TAILOR BIRD (Orthotomus longicauda) is of a yellowish

olive-green on the mantle, red on the crown of the head, and
greyish red upon the nape; the under surface is white with faint
blackish spots upon the sides of the breast. The quills are brown
edged with green, the tail-feathers brown shaded with green, those
at the exterior are tipped with white. In the male the two centre tail-
feathers are considerably prolonged. The length of this species is six
inches and a half, the wing measures two, and the tail three inches
and a half; the female is not more than five inches long, and her tail
does not exceed two inches. The Tailor Birds are found throughout
all parts of India, from the Himalayas to Cape Comorin, also in
Ceylon, Burmah, and the neighbouring countries, frequenting such
localities as are not entirely destitute of trees or bushes. In these
situations they usually live in pairs or small families, and pass their
days in hopping nimbly from twig to twig in search of insects,
caterpillars, and larvæ, upon which they subsist. When moving over
the ground or eating they keep the tail erect, and elevate the
feathers upon the head. The manner in which they construct their
strange and beautiful nest is truly wonderful. Having chosen a leaf of
adequate dimensions, the ingenious sempstress draws the edges
together by means of her bill and feet, then, piercing holes through
the approximated edges, she secures them in their place by means
of cotton threads, the ends of which she ties into small bunches and
thus fastens them, so as to prevent them from slipping through.
Sometimes the Tailor Bird, having picked up a fallen leaf, fastens it
to one still growing on the tree by sewing the two together in the
manner above described, and thus prepares a pensile cradle in
which the nest is constructed. The interior is lined with a thick layer
of cotton, flax, and other vegetable fibres, mixed with a little hair,
and on this comfortable bed the eggs are laid and the young live
secure from the attacks of monkeys or snakes. The brood consists of
three or four eggs, which are white, spotted with brownish red at
the broad end.
"This bird is most common," says Jerdon, "in well-wooded districts,
frequenting gardens, hedgerows, orchards, low jungle, and even
now and then the more open parts of high tree jungles. It is usually
seen in pairs, at times in small flocks, incessantly hopping about the
branches of trees, shrubs, pea rows, and the like, with a loud,
reiterated call, or picking various insects, chiefly ants, cicadellæ, and
various small larvæ, off the bark and leaves, and not unfrequently
seeking them on the ground. It has the habit of raising its tail whilst
feeding, and hopping about, and at times, especially when calling, it
raises the feathers, and displays the concealed black stripes on its
neck. The ordinary note of the Tailor Bird is, 'To-wee! to-wee! to-
wee!' or, as it is syllabised by Layard, 'Pretty! pretty! pretty!' When
alarmed or angry it has a different call. It is a familiar bird, venturing
close to houses, but, when aware that it is watched, it becomes
wary and shy.
"The Tailor Bird makes its nest with cotton wool and other soft
materials, sometimes also lining it with hair, and draws together one
leaf or more, generally two leaves, on each side of the nest, and
stitches them together with cotton, either woven by itself, or cotton
thread picked up, and, after passing the thread through the leaf, it
makes a knot at the end to fix it. I have seen a Tailor Bird at Saugor
watch till the dirzee (native tailor) had left the verandah where he
had been working, fly in, seize some pieces of thread that were lying
about, and go off in triumph with them. This was repeated in my
presence several days running. I have known many different trees
selected to build in; in gardens very often a guava-tree. The nest is
generally built at from two to four feet above the ground. The eggs
are two, three, or four in number, and, in every case I have seen,
were white, spotted with reddish brown, and chiefly at the large
end."
Colonel Sykes tells us that the eggs are crimson, but he has probably
mistaken the nest and eggs of Prinia socialis, which last are
sometimes of a uniform brick-red. Hodgson suspects that there are
two species confounded under one name, as he has on several
occasions got unspotted blue eggs from a Tailor Bird's nest. These
were probably those of Prinia gracilis, the eggs of which are blue.
Layard describes one nest "made entirely of cocoa-nut fibre,
encompassed by a dozen leaves of oleander, drawn and stitched
together. I cannot call to recollection ever having seen a nest made
with more than two leaves."
 THE EMU WREN.
The EMU WREN (Stipiturus malachurus), one of the most remarkable
birds found in Australia, is distinguished by the very unusual
formation of the web of the six feathers that compose the tail, a
peculiarity most observable in the male. The upper part of the body
is brown, striped with black; the top of the head rust-red; the chin
and throat pale blueish grey; the rest of the under side is bright red,
the quills are dark brown edged with reddish brown, and the tail-
feathers dark brown; the eye is reddish brown, and the beak and
feet brown. In the female the top of the head is streaked with black,
and the region of the throat red instead of blue.
The genus Stipiturus, according to Mr. Gould, is a form entirely
confined to Australia. These birds frequent extensive grass-beds,
particularly those which occur in humid situations. They run quickly
over the ground, and carry the tail erect, like the Maluri. Some slight
variation occurs in specimens from Tasmania and Southern and
Western Australia, but, probably, they are all referable to one
species.
"The delicate little Emu Wren," says Dr. Bennett, "although formerly
seen in great numbers in the vicinity of Sydney, is now very rare. It
was also named the Cassowary Bird by the early colonists, from the
peculiar feathers in the tail, and was first described in 1798, in the
Linnæan Transactions. It is an active little creature, running rapidly
among the grass, and, from the shortness of its wings, appears ill
adapted for flight. Some years since it congregated in great numbers
in the Sydney Domain, near the Botanic Garden, but for some time
not one has been seen in that locality. This bird rarely perches on a
bush at an elevation of more than three or four feet from the
ground; it is usually observed darting quickly over the long grass,
and, by its activity, readily eludes pursuit."
"This curious little bird," says Mr. Gould, "has a wide distribution,
since it inhabits the whole of the southern portion of Australia, from
Moreton Bay on the east to Swan River on the west, including
Tasmania. Among the places where it is most numerous in the latter
country are the swampy grounds in the neighbourhood of Recherche
Bay in D'Entrecasteaux Channel, the meadows at New Norfolk,
Circular Head, and Flinder's Island in Bass Straits. On the continent
of Australia, Botany Bay and, indeed, all portions of the country
having a similar character are favoured with its presence.
"The Emu Wren is especially fond of low, marshy districts, covered
with rank high grasses and rushes, where it conceals itself from view
by keeping near the ground, and in the midst of the more dense
parts of the grass-beds. Its extremely short round wings ill adapt it
for flight, and this power is consequently seldom employed, the bird
depending for progression upon its extraordinary capacity for
running; in fact, when the grasses are wet from dew or rain, its
wings are rendered perfectly unavailable. On the ground it is
altogether as nimble and active; its creeping, mouse-like motions,
and the extreme facility with which it turns and bounds over the
surface, enabling it easily to elude pursuit, and amply compensating
for the paucity of its powers of flight. The tail is carried in an erect
position, and is even occasionally retroverted over the back.
"The nest, which is a small ball-shaped structure, with rather a large
opening on one side, is composed of grasses lined with feathers, and
artfully concealed in a tuft of grass or low shrub. One that I found in
Recherche Bay contained three newly-hatched young; this being the
only nest I ever met with, I am unable to give any description of its
eggs from my own observation; but the want is supplied by the
following account of this species from the pen of Mr. E. P. Ramsay,
published in the Ibis for 1865:—
"'I had for many days visited the swamps on Long Island, where
these birds are very plentiful, in the hope of finding them breeding,
but it was not till the 25th of September that I succeeded in
discovering a nest, although I had watched them for hours together
for several days. While walking along the edge of the swamp on that
day a female flew from my feet out of an overhanging tuft of grass,
growing only a few yards from the water's edge. Upon lifting up the
leaves of the grass which had been beaten down by the wind, I
found its nest carefully concealed near the roots, and containing
three eggs. They were quite warm, and within a few days of being
hatched, which may account for the bird being unwilling to leave the
spot; for, upon my returning about five minutes afterwards, the
female was perched upon the same tuft of grass, and within a few
inches of whence I had taken the nest. The nest was of an oval form
(but that part which might be termed the true nest was perfectly
round), placed upon its side; the mouth very large, taking up the
whole of the under part of the front. It was very shallow, so much so
that if tilted slightly the eggs would roll out, being almost on a level
with the edge. It was outwardly composed of grass, and the young
dry shoots of the reeds which are so common in all the swamps near
the Hunter River, lined with fine grass, roots, and, finally, a very fine
green moss. It was very loosely put together, and required to be
moved very gently to prevent its falling to pieces.
"'The eggs are six lines and a half long by four and a half broad,
they are sprinkled all over with minute dots of a light reddish brown,
particularly at the larger end, where they are blotched with the same
colour. One of the three had no blotches, but was minutely freckled
all over. The ground-colour is a delicate white, with a blush of pink
before the egg is blown.
 THE EMU WREN (Stipiturus malachurus).

"'The only note of the bird, besides a slight chirp when flushed and
separated, is a twitter, not unlike a faint attempt to imitate the
Malurus cyaneus. While in the swamp, which at that time was nearly
dry, I observed several separate flocks; of these some were hopping
along the ground, picking up something here and there, others,
whose appetites seemed appeased, were creeping along through the
reeds, about a foot from the ground, but as the reeds thickened I
soon lost sight of them. They seldom took wing except when
disturbed, and not always then, seeming very averse to showing
themselves. While watching them, I observed one now and then hop
to the top of a tall reed, as if to get a glimpse at the world above.
Upon coming suddenly upon a flock and following them, they keep
to the reeds just in front of you, and never take wing unless hard
driven, when they separate, and do not collect for some time.
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