HEDGE-SPARROW. 233 



Europe, including the British Isles. The Committee of the 

 B.O.U. do not recognise the British bird as distinct, though it 

 has been given sub-specific rank. Some of our breeding birds 

 leave in autumn and numbers arrive on the east coast or pass 

 through Britain, but the differences in the wing formula 

 between the supposed British and Continental races are net 

 constant. 



The Hedge-Sparrow or Dunnock, a widely used name, is 

 said to be peaceful, inoffensive, shy, inconspicuous and quiet, 

 but the use of the name '' sparrow " proves that it has long 

 been familiar. In build, thin bill and habits, as well as 

 structure, it has nothing in common with the Sparrow, though 

 in the garden in winter it joins these and other mendicants. It 

 is a bird of cultivation rather than the wilds, common in the 

 hedgerows, roadside spinneys, farm-yards and gardens ; indeed 

 it may be met with anywhere. Doubtless its sombre browns, 

 its well- streaked back and slate-grey head give it a measure of 

 protection as it rootles amongst the autumnal litter at the foot 

 of the hedge. Very largely a ground feeder, it disappears under 

 the cabbage leaves or other protective shelter, not to hide itself 

 from sight, but because beneath their shade it hopes to find 

 food. To call it quiet and peaceful is even further from the 

 mark. An accentor, the dictionary says, is one who takes the 

 chief part in singing, and if this does not imply a powerful 

 voice, the bird is rightly the Accentor. The short, musical, 

 high-pitched song, constantly repeated, is not commanding 

 but insistent. Though most vigorous in spring it may be heard 

 at almost all seasons, and at night as well as by day. Excite- 

 ment provokes the vocal energies ; it will sing vigorously at a 

 rival, and if its slumbers are disturbed wakes with a snatch of 

 melody. I have heard a bird sing when startled by the talk of 

 passers-by and the light of a passing cycle-lamp, and one in my 

 garden sang at all hours of the night if there was a sudden gust 

 of wind or scud of rain. The call, a monotonous shrill piping 



