198 THE SMALLER BRITISH BIRDS. 



also found in Norway, Sweden, Lapland, and Siberia. In Asia it has 

 been met with in Japan, China, and the northern parts of India. In 

 the British Isles it is in general rather rare, but is found in Norfolk, 

 Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Rutland, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, 

 Durham, and Northumberland. It is said to be not uncommon in 

 Shropshire, and has been observed in Lancashire about Cliat Moss. 



This species is not nearly so bold and familiar as its more common 

 relative; it rarely approaches towns or villages; unless compelled by 

 the severity of the weather to resort thither through lack of food 

 elsewhere. Its home is among the hills and mountains, as indicated 

 by its specific name, (montanus, from mons, a mountain,) and it builds 

 chiefly in holes in the trees which frequently skirt their bases, but 

 sometimes, in thoroughly country places, in the thatch of barns and 

 outhouses, and in stacks of wood and faggots. The nest is formed 

 of hay rather loosely put together, and is lined with wool, down, and 

 feathers. The little Tree Sparrow has been known to take possession 

 of the old nest of the Magpie or Crow, doming it over, and otherwise 

 adapting it to its requirements. The first eggs are laid in March; 

 they are from four to six in number, and of a dull white, speckled 

 all over with different shades of light greyish brown. Both parents 

 share in the duties of the nest, and the young are hatched in thirteen 

 or fourteen days. It is said that this bird frequently pairs with other 

 species, and that when this occurs the male is a Tree and the female 

 a Hedge Sparrow. 



The common note of this bird is described as not unlike that of 

 the House Sparrow, but rather more shrill. Its song, if such it may 

 be called, "consists/* says Mr. Blyth, "of a number of chirps, inter- 

 mixed with some pleasing notes, delivered in a continuous unbroken 

 strain, sometimes for many minutes together, very loudly, but having 

 a characteristic Sparrow-like tone throughout/' 



During the spring and summer the Tree Sparrow feeds on insects 

 and soft vegetables, supplying its young with the same; for the re- 

 mainder of the year it lives on seeds and grain. 



