THE HEDGE-SPARROW. 



Sylvia modularis, Lath. 



This well-known species, sometimes called the 

 Hedge-chanter, Hedge-warbler, Titling, or Dunnock, 

 is found in all parts of England ; has a pleasing 

 song, and is one of the few birds of the warbler 

 tribe that remain with us the whole year. It be- 

 gins its song early in the year, if the weather is 

 mild ; breeds early, making a nest in March, com- 

 posed of green moss and wool, and lined with hair, 

 which is placed in some low evergreen shrub, thick 

 bush, or cut-hedge ; frequently builds in faggot- 

 piles. The eggs are four or five in number.* 



In form, (says Mr. Mudie,) the Titling has some 

 resemblance to the Redbreast ; though it is not 

 nearly so energetic in its expression, or so lively in 

 its motions. Its habits are also a good deal simi- 

 lar to those of the Redbreast : it comes about our 

 farmyards and cottages, and into the gardens and 

 shrubberies, in the inclement season, — not in flocks, 

 but hopping about singly, and picking up any food, 

 whether animal or vegetable, it may find. In these 

 gloomy times it utters its peevish cry with an appa- 

 rent feeling of suffering and desolation.^ 



The Hedge-sparrow, or ShufHewing, (Mr. Knapp 

 observes,) not influenced by season or caprice to 



* Ornithological Dictionary. t Mudie's British Birds. 



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