Class IL HEDGE SPARROW. 



cheeks marked with oblong fpots of dirty white : 

 the back and coverts of the wings are duflcy, 

 edged with reddifh brown : the quil-feathers and 

 tail dufky: the rump brown, tinged with green: 

 the throat and bread are of a dull afli color : the 

 belly of a dirty white : the fides, thighs, and 

 vent-feathers are of a pale tawny brown : the legs 

 of a dull flefh color. 



This bird frequents low hedges, efpecially thofe 

 of gardens. It makes its neft in fome fmall bufh, 

 and lays four or five eggs of a fine pale blue 

 color : during the breeding feafon has a remark- 

 able flirt with its wings. The male has a Ihort but 

 very fweet plaintive note, which it begins with the 

 firfl frofly mornings, and continues till a little time 

 in the fpring. This is the Motacilla Modnlaris of 

 Linn^us\ the bird which he fuppofes to be our 

 hedge fparrow, and defcribes under the title of 

 Motacilla curruca^* differs in colors of plumage 

 as well as eggs. 



* Faitn. Suec, fp. 247. 



377 



Vol. I. C c Chofti, 



