RUFOUS SEDGE WARBLER.

Salicaria galactotes, Mzha.

Accorpine to M. Temminck, the introduction of this lovely species to the fauna of Europe is due to
M. Natterer of Vienna, whose researches have conferred so much honour on himself and benefit to science
at large.

Although we possess several fine specimens of this rare species, still, from the want of an intimate know-
ledge of it, we are yet in doubt as to the true situation it ought to occupy in a scientific arrangement. From
a careful examination of the specimens in our possession, in comparison with the birds of M. Temminck’s
section denominated Bec-jins riverains, which have been formed by Mr. Selby into the genus Salcaria, we are
led to assign it to that group; at the same time, we suspect that it may hereafter be found to form an
intermediate link between the genus Sa/icaria and an allied group, the species of which, instead of inhabiting
reed-beds and swampy situations, frequent the tall grasses of dry and sandy places, and of which the Sy/na
cisticola is an example. On referring to the work of our valued friend M.'Temminck, we find him expressing
the same doubts respecting this bird which we ourselves entertain ; his words are, ‘‘I know not whether this
species inhabits reed-beds and the borders of waters: Ihave therefore arranged it provisionally in this section ;
for the knowledge alone of its manners and its habits can determine truly the place to which it should be
assigned, whether in the section of Riverains or, on the contrary, of Sy/vains.”

The Rufous Sedge Warbler is a native of the southern provinces of Spain, and probably also of the opposite
shores of Africa. M. Natterer discovered it at Gibraltar, and killed two pairs at Algesiras.

The general plumage of the upper surface is lively rufous ; the tail-feathers being tipped with white, above
which is a larger spot or bar of deep black ; the quill-feathers are light brown ; a brown band goes from the
beak to the eye, and a white superciliary line passes over the eye; the under surface is dull yellowish white,
becoming reddish on the flanks ; tarsi yellowish ; beak brown ; irides hazel.

We have figured an adult bird of the natural size.