The Hedge Sparrow 



THIS familiar little bird is not a sparrow 

 at all, as may readily be seen from the 

 appearance of its slender bill. It really be- 

 longs to the Warbler family. 



It hops about in gardens, orchards, parks, 

 and woods all the summer long, picking up 

 caterpillars and insects. 



The male never seems to be tired of rattl- 

 ing off his sweet and merry little song. 

 Whether it be in error or simply an over- 

 flowing of the joy within his little heart it is 

 impossible to say, but he occasionally breaks 

 into song at night-time. 



In the winter Hedge Sparrows leave the 

 woods and alter their diet. As there are 

 very few insects to be found they hop round 

 fowl-runs, farmyards, and dwelling-houses, in 

 search of seeds, crumbs, and other trifles. 



You can always be sure of the call-note 

 of the Hedge Sparrow. It is a plaintive and 

 rather shrill "peep-peep." 



53 



