HEDGE SPARROW. 65 



lined with the top of the reed, Hke the nest of the 

 Reed Warbler, but not so compact ; it is placed in 

 the rushes or a tuft of grass, near the ground. 



The eggs, four to six, vary a good deal from the 

 different accounts we have, but we may take as a 

 general description that they are white, with purplish 

 red spots and small lines. They are not easily con- 

 fused with those of the other Tits. 



The Bearded Tit may be kept in confinement. 



We have now concluded our account of the Tits, 

 and from the description of the eggs, you will no 

 doubt find it impossible to sort out any specimens 

 you may obtain. But we cannot make a distinction 

 where none exists ; and once more we would impress 

 upon you that, in order to have a reliable collection, 

 the birds themselves must be carefully observed as 

 well as the position of the nest. 



HEDGE SPARROW. 



ACCENTOR MODULARIS. 



Family Passerid^. Sub-family Paring. Genus Accentor. 



Hedge Accentor — Dunnock — Cuddy — Shuffliewing — Hedge 

 Warbler. 



We must all be familiar with the Hedge Sparrow 

 and its beautiful blue eggs. It is common all over 

 the British Isles, except in the barest and bleakest 

 parts. It is a sociable bird, preferring the well-culti- 

 vated districts and hedgerows. It would be hard to 

 find a garden, too, where the Hedge Sparrow is never 

 seen. All through the year it is with us, and all 

 through the year its song may be heard, for this bird, 



5 



