BIRDS OF THE GARDEN 27 



kind at this season. If often takes possession of Martins' 

 nests and drives them away. Flight strong and direct. 

 Fond of a dust bath. 



Food. Practically omnivorous. In the garden it is 

 a nuisance, and is fond of tearing various flowers to 

 pieces. If not kept under it becomes a pest, devouring 

 large quantities of grain and seeds. 



Nest. April onwards. Several broods. 



Site. Various, usually in the thatch of some farm- 

 building, amongst ivy, in trees, in and under eaves-gutters 

 &c. 



Materials. Nothing comes amiss. Generally dry 

 grass, and other rubbishing materials, like rags, string, 

 &c., lined with feathers. Nest domed, or more correctly 

 bag-shaped, with entrance near the top ; always untidy. 



Eggs. Four to six. Bluish white, speckled and 

 spotted with grey and dark brown. Very variable. 



TREE SPARROW (Passer monfanus). 



Most abundant in the eastern and midland counties, 

 and in the east of Scotland and Ireland, but distinctly 

 local. Being shyer than the last, it is seldom met with 

 near houses, preferring the open country. 



Plumage. Closely resembling the last, but differing 

 in its slightly smaller size, chestnut-brown head, white 

 collar almost surrounding the neck, and the two (instead 

 of one) white transverse bars on the wing ; otherwise 

 lores and throat black. Upper and under parts like the 

 last. Length 5| in. Female, similar. Young have 

 black markings replaced with brown, and wing-bars 

 washed with buff. 



Language. Much like the last, but, if anything, its 

 chirrupings are rather more tuneful. 



Habits. More shy and active than the last, and more 

 partial to trees, seeking its food there as well as on the 

 ground. 



