Genus LOCUSTELLA.

Y 1 . °
Gun. Caan. ‘Whose of SALICARIA, excepting that the beak is deeper at the base and runs more
to a point; rictus bristles rudimentary ; the hind claw longer, remarkably slender and

clean made; and the tail broader and more decidedly graduated.

REED LOCUSTELLE.

Locustella fluviatilis.

Le Bee-fin riverain.

Stvce we learn from M. Natterer that this bird closely assimilates to the Grasshopper Warbler, Locustella
seblans, in habits, manners, note, particularly in a shrill inward tone producing the effect of ventriloquism,
place of resort, food and nidification, and as, conjoined to these affinities, we find that they agree still more
closely in structural form, which differs considerably from that of the birds forming the genus Salicaria of
Selby, particularly in the lengthened hind claw and in the shape of the beak, we feel no hesitation in
assigning to these nearly allied species a distinct generic situation, under the restored title of Locustella.
The specific term of fiwiatilis as applied to the present bird conveys an erroneous impression, for M. Natterer
informs us that although it resorts to low situations, it nevertheless does not confine itself to reed-beds,
but rather prefers swampy coppices and thickets. It is extremely scarce in the western portion of the Euro-
pean continent ; but is plentiful in Austria and Hungary, and is very common in the island-gardens in the
Danube near Vienna.

The sexes exhibit little or no difference of plumage, nor does it appear to undergo any periodical changes.

The upper parts are olive clouded with brown; under surface lighter ; the throat and breast whitish
spotted with brown ; under tail-coverts greyish white ; bill and tarsi brown.

We have figured an adult male of the natural size.