LUSCINID.E. 141 



SUB FAMILY IV. 

 Accentor I x.E."' The Accentor.s. 



Gen. Charac. — Bill short, straight, and sometimes conical, with the eiihneu 

 sloping, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is slightly emarginated ; 

 the nostrils basal, and placed in a membranous groove with the oijeniu^ 

 exposed ; wings more or less long, pointed, and sometimes rounded ; the 

 tail moderate, and generally rather rounded ; tarsi moderate, and rather 

 strong ; toes rather long, the outer toe united at its base, the hind toe Ion;.' 

 jiiul armed with a strong claw. 



. .# '"' 



Fl(i. 50 — THE HEDGE SPAKKOW. 



(Accsiifor moduhjrii<.) 



The birds composing tins sub-family inhabit both 

 Europe and Asia, migrating according to the season 

 of the year. They are to be seen beneath low bushes, 

 searching for worms among the fallen leaves and 

 stones ; they also feed on seeds and insects of various 

 kinds. Some species, should the winter be severe, 

 repair to the neighbourhood of farms and villages. 

 Their song, which consists of various notes, is sweet, 

 though feeble, and commences early in the season. 



* Accentor, one v:lio joins another in singing. 

 H 3 



