The Hedge Sparrow.
Numb. U S .
THIS Bird is about the bignefs of a Robin Red-Breajl; its Bill is long
and ilender, of a dusky Colour inclining to black; its Back, Wings
and Tail are a dark brown with a reddifh Mixture; the Head is' dusky
with a blewiih Caft; the Breaft is of a blewiih lead Colour, the Belly
more dilute; the Legs are of a dusky brown: This Bird is as well known
as any of our fmall Birds, being found almoft in every Buih, that hardly
a Boy that fearches the Hedges, but can give an account of its Neflr,
Eggs, &Pc. It would therefore feem unneceffary to take much notice of
It, -but that I think the Hedge Sparrow too much neglected, no Bird is
more defpifed; I am fure he ought to be more valued; he being a very
pleafant Song-bird, iings fweetly, and has a great variety o f pretty
Notes: I have known them kept in Cages by fome curious Perlbns, and
much valued for their fine finging; a great many People cage worie,,
and account them good Birds; tis Plenty that leftens the Worth of this
Bird, as o f every thing elfe, though ever fo valuable in it felf: The
Hen is known from the Cock, by the Paleneis of her Breaft, and being,
of a brighter Colour on the Back; they build their Neft of fine green;
Mois, platted with a little Wool and Hair; the Hen lays commonly
five Eggs of a pale blew Colour; ihe has young ones at the end of.
-rdpril, or the beginning of May, you may take them at ten Days old,,
and feed them with Bread and Flefh-meat chop’d very fine, and mixed;
together, ma$e moift as for other Birds.