A single example of this species, whose home is in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin generally, was obtained in Sussex in May 1904.
The upper parts are chestnut brown, darker on the wings and tail. There is a white superciliary stripe. Under parts white, turning to grey on the breast, flanks, and under tail coverts. Length 5 in.; wing 2·3 in.
THE ICTERINE WARBLER
Hypolais icterina (Vieillot)
This fairly common European bird is only a rare visitor to our southern and eastern shores, and has once been taken in Ireland. It breeds in North-Eastern France, Denmark, Scandinavia, and throughout Northern and Central Europe, migrating south-eastwards in autumn, Italy forming apparently the western limit of its route. The eggs are very distinctive, being pale pink with black spots.
The upper parts are greyish olive, the lores and a streak over the eye yellow. Under parts lemon yellow. Length 5·2 in.; wing 3·1 in.
THE MELODIOUS WARBLER
Hypolais polyglotta (Vieillot)
Although the presence of this species had long been suspected, as well as the possibility of it having bred with us, it was not until 1897 that the first authenticated example was procured at Burwash in Sussex. It is a southern species, breeding abundantly in Spain, North Africa, and South-Western France. Its eggs very closely resemble those of the Icterine Warbler.
Except for its smaller size, it is very difficult to distinguish this species from the preceding one, but its proportionately shorter wing, its larger bastard primary and the second primary being shorter than the fifth, form unfailing characteristics. Length 4·9 in.; wing 2·5 in.
REED WARBLER
Acrocephalus streperus (Vieillot)
A near ally to the Sedge Warbler, this bird seldom reaches this country till the beginning of May, and at once repairs to the reed-beds, where his whole life, except when actually migrating, is spent. Wherever suitable reed-beds occur in the southern and eastern parts of our islands, he is fairly abundant and reveals his presence by his song, which is a harsh medley of notes volubly rattled out, and somewhat like that of the Sedge Warbler. It is easy to hear him, but to see him is a task requiring much patience and careful watching. He keeps entirely concealed by the reeds among which he lives, creeping along from one to another and assuming all kinds of strange attitudes. Now he hangs head downwards, or again, grasping a neighbouring reed with one foot, he will swing himself round and climb straddle-legged up two reeds, till on reaching the top he will perhaps take a short flight, only to dive in again a few feet farther on.