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What
Insects might you find in a hedge?
Birds| Butterflies |Insects | Mammals
Birds
| Tree Sparrow |
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| About the Tree
Sparrow: Tree Sparrows are widespread in Ireland but they are decidedly scarce from the local population! Occasionally they are found on the outskirts of villages but more often they are associated with untidy arable farms, taking advantage of frequent grain spills. The sexes are similar with a chestnut cap and nape, a black patch on white cheeks and a plumage streaked brown on their back with pale underparts. They utter sparrow-like chirps but also a sharp tik tik in flight. Tree Sparrows form flocks during the winter months and sometimes they feed in stubble fields. |
| Willow Warbler |
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| About the Willow
Warbler: These small, fairly quiet songbirds live in trees and bushes through the spring and summer months. They are very common in rural gardens, where they feed on insects and spiders. Willow Warblers are also found in willow and birch scrub. Willow warblers make their nests from grass lined with feathers, usually on the ground among vegetation or small bushes. They generally produce six to eight eggs, which are white with light red spots. The Willow Warbler sings a song of descending notes, often repeated. |
| Wren |
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| About the Wren: Wrens are birds of the undergrowth, be it dense woodland shrubbery or coastal bramble patches. In spite of its cute appearance, cocked-up tail, perpetual motion and constant chatter, the wren is still considered a villain by some folks. The males often vandalize the nests of other hole-nesting species within their territories, puncturing the eggs or even throwing the young from the nest. They usually lay 5-8 white eggs, thickly speckled with brown, laid in a nest of twigs lined with feathers and other soft materials. Wrens are present throughout the year. |
| Yellow Hammer |
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| About the Yellow
Hammer: The Yellow Hammer is a member of a species, also found in Ireland, of the Yellow Bunting. These birds are about sixteen centimeres long, their general colouring mottled brown above and yellow below, the head being yellow, streaked with brown, and the rump and tail coverts chestnut. Their food is chiefly insects and fruits, especially blackberries in autumn. Their nest is often placed upon the ground and contains four or five eggs. |