510 HEDGE SPARROW WARBLER. Class 11. 



the back and coverts of the wings are dusky, 

 edged with reddish brown ; the quil feathers 

 and tail dusky; the rump brown, tinged with 

 green ; the throat and breast are of a dull ash 

 color ; the belly of a dirty white ; the sides, 

 thighs, and vent-feathers are of a pale tawny 

 brown ; the legs of a dull flesh color. 



This bird frequents low hedges, especially 

 those of gardens. It makes its nest in some small 

 bush, and lays four or five eggs of a fine pale 

 blue color; during the breeding season it has 

 a remarkable flirt with its wings. The male has 

 a short but very sweet plaintive note, which it 

 begins with the first frosty mornings, and con- 

 tinues till a little time in the spring. This is 

 the Motacilla modularis of LinncEus; the bird 

 which he supposes to be our hedge sparrow, 

 and describes under the title of Motacilla Cur- 

 ruca,^ differs in colors of plumage as well as 



* Faun. Suec. sp, 247 KruJca Warbler. ArcL Zool. ii. 

 UQ. Ed. 



