11 EDGE-SPA lUUnV. 
ACCENTOR MODULARIS. 
There are few parts of the British Islands, with the exception of tlie more remote and barren moorlands 
or far-spreading rush-grown swamps, where this familiar and confiding species has not come under my 
ohsen^ation. Though partial to the immediate vicinity of dwellings, the Hedge-Sparrow occasionally strays 
to^ distant solitudes when sufficient cover is obtainable. IVhile searching for the nest of the Hartford 
H arbler on the summit of the breezy downs of Sussex, far from human habitation, I have often disturbed 
a pair or two of these birds. If merely a glimpse is caught of the tiny stranger skulking through the 
dense undergrowth or darting rapidly across an opening in the furze, it is by no means easy to form an 
opinion as to which species the individual belongs, the tints of their plumage being almost precisely 
similar and the difference in size exceeding v small 
These birds have been deseribed by several writers as of a retiring disposition and by no means 
quarrelsome ; when asserting their own rights, however. I have repeatedly seen titem square up to Sparrows 
and other small birds, with sueli pluek that the aggressor was always eompclled to leave the field 
Iledge-Sparrows commenec their nesting-operations at an early date i soon after the beginnin- of the 
year the male may be seen shuffling round the female and showing himself off for her admiratL, On 
le n o anuaiy, 1881, I noticed a pair going through the singular antics often indulged in by this 
species, when a House-Sparrow settled on the grass near at hand, and approaeliing in a threatening manner 
was immediately attacked and driven from the spot by one of the pair. 
Macgillivray asserts that these birds “seem to pair in the quietest possible manner.” The Scotch 
w“rHr“ V"“‘ ^ with these remarks. Having carefully 
atehed the actions of these birds throughout the winter, I am of opinion that when once paired they 
nvariably remain together till death divides the partnership. There is. however, a very markS 
uiting early in the year; this is carried on, in open weather, all through January and the “renter ^portion of 
r,- - "• 
end of February. ” ^ ^ couple of nests containing eggs before the 
with flocks of any^number.™irema?kI/hoil!'r''*^^^ gregarious, and on no single occ.asion have I met 
through the winter, showing themselves eonsZuo '"l ‘ «°'"Pany in our garden all 
driving one another in such a manner that it is im ^ ^variably chasing and 
that frequent the same spot. At the iirese t f ° “is^ke them for the quiet and sober pairs 
not yet separated, and may still be seen nerformim, j ^ asummei (1881), they have 
morning and again towards evening. evolutions on the green turf in early 
The particles of food on which this species subsists must be exceedingly minute, these birds l.aviu“ 
