THE HEDGE SPARROW. 



THE HEDGE SPARROW. 



Although a soft-billed species, 

 much more closely related to the 

 Robin than the Sparrow, this 

 bird has enjoyed its popular 

 name so long that it is likely to 

 be known by it to the end of 

 time. It also has two or three 

 others, such as Hedge Accentor, 

 used almost exclusively by orni- 

 thologists, and Dunnock and 

 Shufflewing, which are more or 

 less local. 



It is common nearly all over 

 the country — though I have never 

 met with it in either the Outer Hebrides 

 or the Shetlands — inhabiting gardens, 

 orchards, hedgerows, and woods. 



Some people do not care for the song 

 of the Hedge Sparrow, but I must admit 

 that I am an admirer of this wee brown 

 bird's vocal accomplishments. Its notes, 

 although soft and lacking in variety, 

 are sweet and always have the true ring 



