THE HEDGE SPARROW 
71 
NEST—Always built in a tree; sometimes is 
merely an old nest—Hawk’s or Wood-Pigeon’s— 
with a few twigs added. New nests consist of 
small, dried sticks intertwined. Eggs, 4, 5 or 6. 
(See p. 43.) . . . . f 
“The Maori name is ka-re-a-re-a in imitation ot 
its harsh scream. The height to which Bush Hawks 
rise in the air makes them susceptible to the 
slightest change in the condition of the atmosphere, 
and they are thus warned of approaching changes 
in the weather. Hence, the Maoris say, If the 
ka-re-a-re-a screams in fine weather, it will soon 
rain; if in rainy weather, it is about to clear. 
(Sir W. Buller) 
HEDGE SPARROW 
SONGS—Four or five, not quite so pure in quality 
as those of the Grey Warbler, but quite pleasing. 
Key F: (1) | m, m, m:f, m, m: f, m, rn | m: || 
le ri ri le ri ri le ri ri re 
(short vowel in ri) 
Key F: (2) | m, m . r, d : m, m . r, d : m, m . r, d | m: 
le ri ri ri _ re 
Key C: (3) 11.1: r’, 1, f 11.1: r\ 1, f | 3 or 4 times, 
then ]s . f H 
GENERAL—The name is most inappropriate, as 
it belongs to a different family from that of the 
sparrow, and has very little resemblance to it in 
any way. It is one of the “warbler" family, which 
also includes the Grey Warbler and the Tom-tit. 
DESCRIPTION— Head, bluish grey with brown 
streaks. Upper parts, reddish brown, streaked 
dark brown. Breast, bluish grey (distinguishing 
feature). Under parts, buffish white. Legs, yellow¬ 
ish brown. 
