198 
SYLVIAD.E. 
INSESSORES. 
DENTIROSTRES. 
SYLVIAD/E. 
PLATE LXXXIV. 
HEDGE ACCENTOR. 
Accentor modularis. 
The Hedge Accentor, commonly called tlie Hedge- 
Sparrow, is a very elegantly shaped bird, but on account of 
its simple plumage, is not generally noticed by the common 
observer; it is therefore necessary to speak a word in its fa¬ 
vour, to point out its merits and beauty, in order that it may 
not be overlooked. The habits also of this bird tend to conceal 
it, although it is one of the most common and constant in¬ 
habitants of our gardens, and one of the few that enliven and 
cheer us with a winter song. Its character is mild and con¬ 
fiding, and in manners it is sociable, meek, and pleasing, but 
somewhat timid. In the tones of its voice we consider that 
this pretty chanter rivals, if it does not surpass its associate, 
the redbreast, its notes being more round and full, and ut¬ 
tered in a lower key ; but it is not so well known as a singer, 
for while the robin places himself boldly on a conspicuous 
branch, and exhibits his orange breast and dilated throat, as 
if to challenge our admiration, the quiet Hedge Accentor, hid¬ 
den among the foliage, sings his sweet but short lay unob¬ 
served and unknown. 
The Hedge Accentor is to be met with in Britain at all 
seasons of the year, and in most localities not entirely des¬ 
titute of trees and hedges. During the summer months this 
species visits Norway and Sweden ; and is found generally 
