cv. 



ACCENTOR MODULARIS. (Cuv.) 

 Hedge Accentor, Hedge Sparrow. 



Although plain in its attire, and ungifted with much 

 power of song, the Hedge Sparrow has many claims to re- 

 commend it to our notice. Like the Robin Redbreast it is 

 always resident with us : and, though without the delightful 

 and engaging familiarity of our favourite, its quiet, unobtru- 

 sive habits, and its simple song, heard alone or accompanied 

 only by the sweeter notes of the Redbreast, or the harsher 

 tones of the Wren, at a time too when all nature is wrapt in 

 the melancholy garb of winter, and the full concert of the grove 

 is hushed, render its companionship peculiarly acceptable. 



The Hedge Sparrow is one of our earliest breeders, and 

 begins to lay its eggs in March, or early in April ; its nest is 

 most commonly placed in a thick low hedge, sometimes in an 

 evergreen, a whin bush, or in the ivy against a wall. It is 

 composed of pieces of stick, coarse grass, moss, and bits of 

 wool, lined with hair. I remember once finding a nest which 

 was built in a whin bush, composed almost entirely of dry 

 grass. Twice I have spen a nest with eggs in it, and so 

 imperfectly finished that the thorns were sticking through 

 the inside; this is the only bird's nest in which I have 

 ever met with a similar instance. The eggs are four or five 

 in number. 



