BRITAIN S BIRDS AND THEIR NESl^. SSS 



Subfamily, ACCENTORINiE (Accentors). 



THE HEDQESPARROW 



(Accentor modularis). 

 Plate 132. 



The last bird on our list is the sole representative of 

 the third subfamily of the Turdidae, The name ' Hedge- 

 sparrow' is partly an allusion to its habits, and partly to 

 the fact that it is a common, smallish bird of chiefly dull- 

 brown plumage. These are its points of resemblance to 

 the true Sparrow ; real affinity or great similarity does not 

 exist. A glance at the respective beaks of the two birds 

 is decisive. Some have ventured to anglicise the scientific 

 name, and dub the species the ' Hedge- Accentor. "^ Such a 

 proceeding we applaud with regard to the Alpine- Accentor, 

 an allied species which sometimes wanders to our shores ; 

 but that a common bird of our hedgerows should be 

 weighted with such a name is ridiculous ; the misnomer 

 is preferable. 'Dimnock' is a frequent popular title. 



The Hedgesparrow is found all the year round in all 

 suitable parts of the British Isles, even in Orkney, but not 

 in some of the other outlying groups. In autumn there 

 is a considerable influx on the east coast, and a return 

 journey in spring. The food consists of insects when these 

 are obtainable. The short song may be heard throughout 

 a great part of the year. 



The nest is usually near the ground, in a hedge or 

 bush ; sometimes among ivy or in similar situations. It is 

 a ^hallow cup of roots and moss, lined with wool and 

 hair. It is generally very ill-concealed, and falls a sadly 

 frequent prey to bird-nesting boys. Cuckoos often victimise 



2p 



