The Hedge- Sparrow. 217 



known by its other familiar name of dunnock. 

 Oddly enough,, this bird has two human names, 

 "Dick" and " Molly/' being known as Dick 

 Dunnock and Molly Hedge-sparrow; in many 

 places the latter name is dropped, and it is 

 known simply as the Molly. 



The hedge-sparrow is not uncommon in London, 

 and, like the redbreast, is found in the Parks, 

 and, practically, wherever there are shrubs and 

 gardens of any size ; the dinginess of its plumage, 

 which in the smoke and dirt of town becomes 

 almost black, and its habit of never going far 

 from shrubs and bushes, render it, however, less 

 observable than that bird. The fact that it is 

 found in London will not surprise those acquainted 

 with its habits, for it has been well described as 

 "our most domestic bird," and certainly appear- 

 ances favour the idea that it delights in human 

 society, as it is to be found at all times near 

 houses, in gardens, orchards, and shrubberies. 

 In the spring, no doubt, many retire to the 

 hedges and woods to breed ; but, like the red- 

 breasts, they, as winter approaches, again draw 

 near to the neighbourhood of houses, and at this 

 time many find their way into London. 



As we have said, the hedge-sparrow is one of 

 the most harmless of British birds, feeding as it 

 does on insects, worms, and seeds. In hard 

 weather, as Gilbert White tells us, it "frequents 

 sinks and gutters, where it picks up crumbs and 

 other sweepings," and it will always be found 



