506. Orchard Oriole. Icterus spurius.

Range.--United States, east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf to southern New England, and Canada in the interior. Winters beyond our borders.

The adult male of this species is a rich chocolate brown and black, it requiring three years to attain this plumage. They nest commonly about habitations in their range, usually preferring orchard trees for sites. Their nests are skillfully woven baskets of fresh grasses, about as high as wide; they are generally placed in upright forks and well concealed by drooping leaves. They lay from four to six bluish white eggs, spotted and blotched with brown and lavender. Size .80 × .55. Data.--Avery's Island, La., May 10, 1896. Nest of grass, lined with thistledown; semi-pensile in drooping twigs of a willow. Collector, F. A. McIlhenny.

507. Baltimore Oriole. Icterus galbula.

Range.--North America, east of the Rockies, breeding from southern United States north to New Brunswick and Saskatchewan.

This beautiful and well known eastern Oriole can readily be identified by its orange flame color and entirely black head. Even better known than the birds, are the pensile nests which retain their positions on the swaying drooping branches all through the winter. Although they build in many other trees, elms seem to be their favorites. Their nests are made of plant fibres and frequently string, and often reach a length of about 10 inches and about half that in diameter; they are usually attached to drooping branches by the rim so that they rock to and fro, but are sometimes held more firmly in position by having their side bound to a branch. Their eggs, which are laid in May and June, are white, streaked and lined with blackish brown and grayish. Size .90 × .60.

508. Bullock's Oriole. Icterus bullocki.

Range.--North America, west of the Plains and from British Columbia southward, wintering in Mexico.

This handsome species is as abundant in the west as the Baltimore Oriole is in the east, and breeds throughout its United States range. Their nests are similarly made and in similar locations, and the eggs are hardly distinguishable from those of the preceding, but the ground color is generally of a pale bluish white tint and the markings are usually finer, the lines running around the eggs and often making a very handsome wreath about the large end. Size of eggs, .94 × .62.

509. Rusty Blackbird. Euphagus carolinus.

Range.--North America east of the Plains, breeding from northern New England and the Adirondacks northward; winters in southern United States.

But few of these birds breed within our borders, the majority of them passing on to the interior of Canada. They generally nest in pairs, or at the most three or four pairs in a locality, building their large substantial nests of moss, twigs and grass, lined with fine green grass; this structure is situated in bushes or low trees in swampy places and at from 3 to 20 feet from the ground. The eggs are laid in May or June; they vary from three to five in number, of a pale bluish green color, spotted, blotched and clouded with shades of brown and gray. Size .96 × .71.

510. Brewer's Blackbird. Euphagus cyanocephalus.

Range.--North America west of the Plains, and from British Columbia and Saskatchewan southward.

This western representative of the preceding is of about the same size (10 inches long), but differs in having a purplish head and greenish black body. They nest abundantly throughout their range either in bushes or trees at low elevations or upon the ground; the nests are made of sticks, rootlets and grasses, lined with finer grass and moss, and the eggs, which are very variable, are dull whitish, clouded and blotched with brownish and streaked with blackish. Size 1.00 × .75.

511. Purple Grackle. Quiscalus quiscula quiscula.

Range.--Eastern United States from the Gulf to Massachusetts; winters along the Gulf.

This species, which is commonly known as Crow Blackbird, nests in trees or bushes anywhere in its range, and on the coast frequently constructs its nests among the large sticks of Ospery nests. Large pines appear to be favorite sites for them to locate their large nests of twigs, weeds, grass and trash. They are placed at any elevation from nearly on the ground to 50 feet above it. The eggs range from three to five and are greenish white, splashed, spotted and scrawled with various shades of brown and gray, and with streaks of black. Size 1.10 × .80. The nesting habits and eggs of the sub-species of this Grackle do not differ in any particular. Like those of this variety the eggs show an endless number of patterns of markings.

511a. Florida Grackle. Quiscalus quiscula aglæus.

Range.--South Atlantic and Gulf States.

A smaller variety of the preceding; length about 11 inches. Eggs indistinguishable.

511b. Bronzed Grackle. Quiscalus quiscula æneus.

Range.--North America east of the Rockies, breeding from the Gulf to Hudson Bay and Labrador. Winters in the southern parts of the United States. This is the most common and widely distributed of the Crow Blackbirds and is distinguished by the brassy color of the upper parts.

513. Boat-tailed Grackle. Megaquiscalus major major.

Range.--South Atlantic and Gulf States; north to Virginia.

This handsome bird measures about 16 inches in length, is iridescent with purplish and greenish, and has a very long, graduated and hollowed tail. These Grackles are very abundant residents along the Gulf, breeding in large colonies in swamps, placing their nests of weeds, moss, grasses, etc., in bushes, trees, canes or rushes, but a few inches above the water, while those in trees are sometimes 50 feet above the ground. The eggs are laid in March, April or May, are from three to five in number, and are a dull bluish or grayish white, streaked, lined, clouded and blotched with brown, black and gray; size 1.25 × .95.

513a. Great-tailed Grackle. Megaquiscalus major macrourus.

Range.--Mexico to southern and eastern Texas.

This variety is larger than the last (length 18 inches) and the tail is very broad and flat. Like the former, they nest in bushes, rushes or trees at any elevation from the ground. The nests are built of the same materials and the eggs are similar to those of the Boat-tailed Grackle, but larger; size 1.28 × .88.

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. Family FRINGILLDÆ

514. Evening Grosbeak. Hesperiphona vespertina vespertina.

Range.--Western United States in the Rocky Mountain region; north to Saskatchewan; south in winter to Mississippi Valley and casually east to New England and the intermediate states.

These are dull and yellowish birds, shading to brownish on the head; with a bright yellow forehead and susperciliary line, black wings and tail, and white inner secondaries and greater coverts. They breed in the mountainous portions of their range, placing their flat nests of sticks and rootlets in low trees or bushes. The eggs are laid in May or June and are greenish white spotted and blotched with brown; size .90 × .65.

514a. Western Evening Grosbeak. Hesperiphona vespertina montana.

Range.--Western United States, breeding in the mountains from New Mexico to British Columbia.

The nesting habits and eggs of this variety are the same as those of the preceding, and the birds can rarely be separated.

515. Pine Grosbeak. Pinicola enucleator leucura.

Range.--Eastern North America, breeding from northern New England northward, and wintering to southern New England and Ohio and casually farther.

They build in conifers making their nests of small twigs and rootlets, lined with fine grasses and lichens. During the latter part of May or June they lay three or four eggs, which have a ground color of light greenish blue, spotted and splashed with dark brown, and with fainter markings of lilac. Size 1.00 × .70. Pine Grosbeaks have been separated into the following sub-species, the chief distinction between them being in their ranges. The nesting habits and eggs of all are alike.

515a. Rocky Mountain Pine Grosbeak. Pinicola enucleator montana.

Range.--Rocky Mountain region from New Mexico to Montana.

515b. California Pine Grosbeak. Pinicola enucleator californica.

Range.--Higher parts of the Sierra Nevadas in California.

515c. Alaska Pine Grosbeak. Pinicola enucleator alascensis.

Range.--Interior of Northwest America from Alaska south to British Columbia.

515d. Kadiak Pine Grosbeak. Pinicola enucleator flammula.

Range.--Kadiak Island and the southern coast of Alaska.

516. Cassin's Bullfinch. Pyrrhula cassini.

Range.--Northern Asia; accidental in Alaska.

517. Purple Finch. Carpodacus purpureus purpureus.

Range.--North America east of the plains, breeding from the Middle States north to Labrador and Hudson Bay; winters in the United States.

These sweet songsters are quite abundant in New England in the summer, but more so north of our borders. While they breed sometimes in trees, in orchards, I have nearly always found their nests in evergreens, usually about three-fourths of the way up. The nests are made of fine weeds and grasses and lined with horse hair. The eggs, which are usually laid in June, are greenish blue, spotted with dark brownish; size .85 × .65.

517a. California Purple Finch. Carpodacus purpureus californicus.

Range.--Pacific coast, breeding from central California to British Columbia and wintering throughout California.

The nesting habits and eggs of this darker colored variety are just like those of the last.

518. Cassin's Purple Finch. Carpodacus cassini.

Range.--North America west of the Rockies, breeding from British Columbia south to New Mexico.

This species is similar to the last but the back, wings and tail are darker and the purplish color of the preceding species is replaced by a more pinkish shade. The nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of the eastern Purple Finch; size of eggs .85 × .60. Data.--Willis, New Mexico, June 23, 1901. Nest made of twigs and rootlets and lined with horse hair. Collector, F. J. Birtwell.

519. House Finch. Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis.

Range.--United States west of the Plains and from Oregon and Wyoming to Mexico.

This is one of the best known of western birds, and nests commonly in all situations from trees and bushes to vines growing on porches. Their nests are made of rootlets and grasses and are lined with horse hair. Their nesting season includes all the summer months, they raising two and sometimes three broods a season. The three to five eggs are pale greenish blue with a few sharp blackish brown specks about the large end. Size .80 × .55.

519b. San Lucas House Finch. Carpodacus mexicanus ruberrimus.

Range.--Southern Lower California. A slightly smaller variety of the preceding.

519c. San Clemente House Finch. Carpodacus mexicanus clematis.

Range.--San Clemente and Santa Barbara Islands. Somewhat darker than the last.

520. Guadalupe Finch. Carpodacus amplus.

Range.--Guadalupe Island, Lower California.

Similar to the House Finch, but deeper red and slightly larger. Their nesting habits and eggs are precisely like those of the House Finch but the eggs average larger; size .85 × .60.

520.1. Mcgregor's House Finch. Carpodacus mcgregori.

Range.--San Benito Island, Lower California.

A newly made species, hardly to be distinguished from the last. Eggs probably the same.

521. Crossbill. Loxia curvirostra minor.

Range.--Northern North America, breeding in the Alleghanies and from northern New England northward; winters south to the middle portions of the United States and casually farther.

The birds are very curious both in appearance and actions, being very "flighty" and restless, and apt to remain to breed on any of the mountains. They build during March or April, making their nests of twigs, rootlets, moss, feathers, etc., and placing them in forks or on branches of trees (usually conifers) at any height from the ground. The eggs are greenish white, spotted with brown and with lavender shell markings; size .75 × .55.

521a. Mexican Crossbill. Loxia curvirostra stricklandi.

Range.--Mountain ranges from central Mexico north to Wyoming.

A larger variety of the preceding. The eggs will not differ except perhaps a trifle in size.

522. White-winged Crossbill. Loxia leucoptera.

Range.--Northern North America, breeding in the Alleghanies and from northern Maine northward; winters to middle portions of the United States.

This species is rosy red with two white wing bars. Like the last, they are of a roving disposition and are apt to be found in any unexpected locality. Their nesting habits are the same as those of the American Crossbill, but the eggs average larger and the markings are more blotchy; size .80 × .55.

523. Aleutian Rosy Finch. Leucosticte griseonucha.

Range.--Aleutian and Pribilof Islands; south to Kadiak.

This is the largest of the genus, and can be distinguished from the others by its very dark chestnut coloration and the gray hindneck and cheeks. Like the other Leucostictes, they are found in flocks and frequent rocky or mountainous country, where they are nearly always found on the ground. They build in crevices among the rocks or under ledges or embankments, making the nest of weeds and grasses. Their four or five pure white eggs are laid during June. Size .97 × .67. Data.--St. George Islands of the

524. Gray-crowned Rosy Finch. Leucosticte tephrocotis tephrocotis.

Range.--Rocky Mountain region from Saskatchewan south to northern United States and also breeding in the Sierra Nevadas; winters on the lowlands of northwestern United States and east to Manitoba.

The habits and breeding habits of this species are like those of the last. The bird is paler colored and the gray is restricted to the hind part of the head. They nest on the ground in June, laying four or five white eggs.

524a. Hepburn Rosy Finch. Leucosticte tephrocotis littoralis.

Range.--Higher ranges from Washington and British Columbia to Alaska.

This variety is like the Aleutian Leucosticte but the brown is a great deal paler. The nesting habits and eggs are, in all probability, like those of the last.

525. Black Rosy Finch. Leucosticte atrata.

Range.--Rocky Mountain region of northern United States; known to breed in Idaho.

This species is black in place of the brown of the others; the gray is restricted to the hind part of the head and the rosy is rather more extensive on the wings. Their eggs probably cannot be distinguished from those of the Gray-crowned variety.

526. Brown-capped Rosy Finch. Leucosticte australis.

Range.--Breeds at high altitudes in the Rockies in Colorado; south to New Mexico in winter.

A similar bird to the Gray-crowned Leucosticte but with no gray on the head. They nest on the ground above timber line on the higher ranges of the Rockies.

527. Greenland Redpoll. Acanthis hornemanni hornemanni.

Range.--Greenland and northern Europe; south in winter to Labrador.

This large Redpoll nests at low elevations in trees and bushes, its habits and eggs being similar to the more common American species.

527a. Hoary Redpoll. Acanthis hornemanni exilipes.

Range.--Breeds in the Arctic regions and winters south to the northern parts of the United States.

This variety is smaller than the last and is considerably darker but still retains the white rump of the Greenland Redpoll. Its nesting habits are the same as those of the next.

528. Redpoll. Acanthis linaria linaria.

Range.--Breeds within the Arctic Circle; winters south to New York, Kansas and northern California and casually farther.

This species is similar to the last but much darker, and the rump is also streaked with blackish. These handsome birds are often met with in winter, feeding on seeds of the weed stems that project above the snow. Their flight and song is similar to that of the Goldfinch or Pine Siskin. They nest at low elevations, either in trees or bushes. The eggs number from three to six and are pale bluish, sparingly specked with reddish brown. Size .65 × .50. Data.--Mouth of Great Whale River, Hudson Bay, May 16, 1899. Nest in a willow 4 feet from the ground; made of fine rootlets and grass, lined with feathers. Collector, A. P. Lowe.

528a. Holboll's Redpoll. Acanthis linaria holbœlli.

Range.--Arctic regions; south casually to the border of the United States.

A slightly larger variety of the common Redpoll. Eggs probably not distinguished.

528b. Greater Redpoll. Acanthis linaria rostrata.

Range.--Breeds in southern Greenland; in winter south through Labrador to the northern border of the United States.

This variety is larger and darker than the common Redpoll. It has been found breeding abundantly in southern Greenland, where its nesting habits are the same as those of the Redpoll and the eggs similar but averaging a trifle larger.

529. Goldfinch. Astragalinus tristis tristis.

Range.--North America east of the Rockies, and from Labrador and Manitoba southward.

These beautiful birds are among our sweetest songsters from May until September. They are resident throughout their United States range, where they breed in August or early in September, being one of the latest nesting birds that we have. Their nests are located in bushes, at a height of generally below fifteen feet above the ground, being placed in upright forks, and made of plant fibres and thistle down, firmly woven together. They lay from three to six plain bluish white eggs. Size .65 × .50. The majority of nests that I have found have been in alders over small streams.

AMERICAN GOLDFINCH.

529a. Pale Goldfinch. Astragalinus tristis pallidus.

Range.--Rocky Mountains from Mexico to British Columbia.

This variety is slightly larger and (in winter) paler than the last.

529b. Willow Goldfinch. Astragalinus tristis salicamans.

Range.--Pacific coast from Washington to Lower California.

Similar to the eastern Goldfinch but back said to be slightly greenish yellow.

530. Arkansas Goldfinch. Astragalinus psaltria psaltria.

Range.--United States, west of the Plains and from Oregon to Mexico.

This species has greenish upper parts and yellow below; the crown, wings and tail are black, the bases of the lateral tail feathers and primaries being whitish. They are common in portions of their range, nesting in similar locations to those chosen by the common Goldfinch and laying from three to five eggs which are similar but slightly smaller. Size .60 × .45. Data.--Riverside, California, May 20, 1891. 5 eggs. Nest made of fine grasses lined with cotton; 5 feet from the ground in a small tree.

530a. Green-backed Goldfinch. Astragalinus hesperophilus.

Range.--Mexico north to the Lower Rio Grande in southern Texas.

A similar bird to the last but with the entire upper parts and cheeks, black. The habits, nests and eggs are identical with those of the Arkansas Goldfinch.

531. Lawrence's Goldfinch. Astragalinus lawrencei.

Range.--Pacific coast of California, wintering along the Mexican border.

This grayish colored Goldfinch has a black face and yellow breast, rump, wing coverts and edges of the primaries. They are quite common in their restricted range, nesting either in upright crotches or in the forks of horizontal limbs. The four or five eggs which they lay are pure white; size .60 × .45. Data.--Santa Monica Canyon, Cal., April 26, 1903. Nest in a cypress tree 12 feet up; composed of grasses, feathers, etc. Collector, W. Lee Chambers.

532. Black-headed Goldfinch. Spinus notatus.

Range.--Mountainous regions of Central America and southern Mexico; accidental in the United States.

533. Pine Siskin. Spinus pinus.

Range.--Breeds from northern United States northward, in the Alleghanies and in the Rockies south to New Mexico. Winters throughout the United States.

Siskins are of the size of the Goldfinch (5 inches long), and their calls, songs and habits are similar to those of this bird. Their plumage is grayish brown, streaked with dusky and the bases of the wings and tail feathers are yellow. Like the Crossbills, they frequently feed along our northern borders, but very sporadically. Their nests are built on horizontal branches of pines or cedars at any elevation from the ground, being made of grasses and rootlets lined with hair or pine needles, and of rather frail and flat construction. Their eggs are laid during May or June and are greenish white, specked with reddish brown; size .68 × .48. Data.--Hamilton Inlet, Labrador, June 17, 1898. Nest on branch of a spruce, 10 feet from the ground; made of grass, lined with moss and feathers. Collector, L. Dicks.

534. Snow Bunting. Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis.

Range.--Breeds in the Arctic regions, and winters irregularly in large flocks through the United States to Oregon, Kansas and Georgia.

These birds are only seen in the United States in large roving flocks, during the winter when they feed on weed seeds on side hills. Their nests are built on the ground, being sunk into the sphagnum moss, and made of grasses lined with feathers. Their four or five eggs are a light greenish white, spotted and splashed with yellowish brown and lilac. Size .90 × .65.

534a. Pribilof Snow Bunting. Plectrophenax nivalis townsendi.

Range.--Pribilof and Aleutian Islands, Alaska.

A slightly larger variety which is resident on the islands in its range. Eggs like those of the preceding; laid from May to July.

535. McKay's Snow Bunting. Pletrophenax hyperboreus.

Range.--Western Alaska; known to breed on Hall's Island.

This beautiful species is, in summer, entirely white except for the tips of the primaries and a black spot on end of central tail feathers, thus being very distinct from the preceding, which has the back and the wings to a greater extent black, at this season. Their eggs probably very closely resemble those of the last species.

536. Lapland Longspur. Calcarius lapponicus lapponicus.

Range.--Breeds in northern North America; winters south casually to New York, Ohio and Oregon and occasionally farther.

These sparrow-like birds are 6.5 inches long and have a black crown, cheeks and throat, and chestnut band on nape. Like the Snowflakes they nest on the ground in moss, but the four to six eggs that they lay are grayish, heavily mottled and blotched with chocolate brown; size .80 × .60.

536a. Alaska Longspur. Calcarius lapponicus alascensis.

Range.--Northwest North America, breeding in Alaska; winter south to Oregon. This sub-species is like the last but slightly paler. Eggs indistinguishable.

NEST AND EGGS OF GOLDFINCH.

537. Smith's Longspur. Calcarius pictus.

Range.--Breeds in Hudson Bay and Mackenzie River districts and winters south to Texas chiefly on the Plains.

This species is of the size of the last but is a rich buff color below, and the other markings are very different. These birds together with the next species are very common on the prairies in central United States in winter. They nest on the ground like the preceding species but the nests are scantily made of grasses and not warmly lined like those of the last. The eggs are similar but paler; size .80 × .60. Data.--Herschell Island, Arctic Ocean, June 10, 1901. Nest built in a tuft of grass; made of fine roots and grass, lined with feathers.

538. Chestnut-collared Longspur. Calcarius ornatus.

Range.--Plains in the interior of North America, breeding from Kansas north to Saskatchewan; very abundant in the Dakotas and Montana.

This handsome species in the breeding plumage has the throat white, breast and belly black, and a chestnut collar on the nape. They are one of the most abundant breeding birds on the prairies, nesting in hollows on the ground either in the open or protected by a tuft of grass. The nests are made of grasses and sometimes moss; three or four eggs laid in June or July; white, blotched, lined and obscurely marked with brown and purplish; size .75 x .55.

539. McCown's Longspur. Rhynchophanes mccowni.

Range.--Great Plains, breeding from Kansas to the Saskatchewan.

This Longspur which breeds in company with the preceding, throughout its range, can be distinguished from it by the small black patch on the breast, the black crown, and chestnut wing coverts. Their nesting habits are the same, and at this season all the Longspurs have a sweet song often uttered during flight, like that of the Bobolink. Their eggs are of the same size and similarly marked as the last, but the ground color is more gray or olive.

540. Vesper Sparrow. Poœcetes gramineus gramineus.

Range.--Eastern United States, breeding from Virginia and Missouri north to Manitoba and New Brunswick; winters in the southern half of the United States.

A streaked grayish, buffy and white bird distinguished by its chestnut shoulders and white outer tail feathers. They are abundant birds in eastern fields where their loud piping whistle is known to many frequenters of weedy pastures. They build on the ground, either in grassy or cultivated fields, lining the hollow scantily with grasses. Their four or five eggs are usually laid in May or June; they are dull whitish, blotched and splashed with light brown and lavender tints; size .80 × .60.

540a. Western Vesper Sparrow. Poœcetes gramineus confinis.

Range.--This paler variety is found in North America west of the Plains and south of Saskatchewan.

Its nesting habits are like those of the preceding and the eggs are indistinguishable.

540b. Oregon Vesper Sparrow. Poœcetes gramineus affinis.

A browner variety found on the coast of Oregon and northern California.

Its nesting habits are like those of the eastern bird and the eggs similar but averaging a trifle smaller.

* * * English Sparrow. Passer domesticus.

These birds, which were imported from Europe, have increased so rapidly that they have overrun the cities and villages of the country and are doing inestimable damage both by driving out native insect eating birds and by their own destructiveness. They nest in all sorts of places but preferably behind blinds, where their unsightly masses of straw protrude from between the slats, and their droppings besmirch the buildings below; they breed at all seasons of the year, eggs having often been found in January, with several feet of snow on the ground and the mercury below zero. The eggs number from four to eight in a set and from four to eight sets a season; the eggs are whitish, spotted and blotched with shades of gray and black. Size .88 × .60.

NEST AND EGGS OF VESPER SPARROW.

541. Ipswich Sparrow. Passerculus princeps.

Range.--Breeds on Sable Island, off Nova Scotia; winters on coast of South Atlantic States. This a large and pale colored form of the common Savannah Sparrow. Its nesting habits are similar to those of the latter and the eggs are marked the same but average larger. Size .80 × .60.

542. Aleutian Savannah Sparrow. Passerculus sandwichensis sandwichensis.

Range.--Breeds on the Alaskan coast; winters south to northern California.

A streaked Sparrow like the next but with the yellow superciliary line brighter and more extended. Its nesting habits are precisely like those of the next variety which is common and well known; the eggs are indistinguishable.

542a. Savannah Sparrow. Passerculus sandwichensis savanna.

Range.--North America east of the Plains, breeding from the Middle States north to Labrador and the Hudson Bay region.

Similar to the last but with the superciliary line paler and the yellow reduced to a spot on the lores. Their nests are hollows in the ground, lined with grasses and generally concealed by tufts of grass or weeds. Their three to five eggs vary greatly in markings from finely and evenly dotted all over to very heavily blotched, the ground color being grayish white. Size .75 × .55

542b. Western Savannah Sparrow. Passerculus sandwichensis alaudinus.

Range.--Western North America from Alaska to Mexico.

A slightly paler form whose nesting habits and eggs do not differ from those of the last.

542c. Bryant's Sparrow. Passerculus sandwichensis bryanti.

Range.--Salt marshes of California from San Francisco Bay south to Mexico.

Slightly darker and brighter than the eastern Savannah Sparrow and with a more slender bill. The eggs are not different from many specimens of savanna; they are light greenish white heavily blotched with various shades of brown and lavender. Size .75 × .55.

543. Belding's Sparrow. Passerculus beldingi.

Range.--Pacific coast marshes of southern California and southward.

This species is similar to the last but darker and more heavily streaked below. They breed abundantly in salt marshes, building their nests in the grass or patches of seaweed barely above the water, and making them of grass and weeds, lined with hair; the eggs are dull grayish white, boldly splashed, spotted and clouded with brown and lavender. Size .78 × .55.

544. Large-billed Sparrow. Passerculus rostratus rostratus.

Range.--Coast of southern and Lower California.

Similar to the Savannah Sparrow but paler and grayer, without yellow lores and a larger and stouter bill. They are common in salt marshes, often in company with the last species and their nesting habits are similar to and the eggs not distinguished with certainty from those of the latter.

544a. San Lucas Sparrow. Passerculus rostratus guttatus.

Range.--Southern Lower California.

A slightly darker form of the preceding, having identical habits, and probably, eggs.

544c. San Benito Sparrow. Passerculus rostratus sanctorum.

Range.--Breeds on San Benito Islands; winters in southern Lower California.

The nesting habits and eggs of these very similar subspecies are identical.

545. Baird's Sparrow. Ammodramus bairdi.

Range.--Plains, breeding from northern United States to the Saskatchewan; south in winter to the Mexican border.

These Sparrows breed abundantly on the plains of Dakota and northward, placing their nest in hollows on the ground in fields and along road sides. During June or July, they lay three to five dull whitish eggs, blotched, splashed and spotted with light shades of brown and gray. Size .80 × .60.

546. Grasshopper Sparrow. Ammodramus savannarum australis.

Range.--United States east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf to Canada.

A stoutly built Sparrow marked on the upper parts peculiarly, like a quail; nape grayish and chestnut. These birds are common in dry fields and pastures, where their scarcely audible, grasshopper-like song is heard during the heat of the day. Their nests are sunken in the ground and

arched over so that they are very difficult to find, especially as the bird will not flush until nearly trod upon. The four or five eggs, laid in June, are white, specked with reddish brown. Size .72 × .55.

546a. Western Grasshopper Sparrow. Ammodramus savannarum bimaculatus

Range.--West of the Plains from British Columbia to Mexico.

Slightly paler than the last; has the same nesting habits; eggs indistinguishable.

GRASSHOPPER SPARROW ON NEST.

546b. Florida Grasshopper Sparrow. Ammodramus savannarum floridanus.

Range.--Central Florida.

A local form, darker above and paler below than the common species. Eggs not different in any particular.

547. Henslow's Sparrow. Passerherbulus henslowi henslowi.

Range.--United States east of the Plains, breeding locally from Maryland and Missouri north to Massachusetts and Minnesota.

This species is similar in form and marking to the last, but is olive green on the nape, and the breast and sides are streaked with blackish. Their nesting habits are very similar to those of the Grasshopper Sparrow, the nests being difficult to find. The eggs are greenish white, spotted with reddish brown. Size .75 × .55.

547a. Western Henslow's Sparrow. Passerherbulus henslowi occidentalis.

Range.--A paler and very local form found in the Plains in South Dakota and probably, adjoining states. Eggs not apt to differ from those of the preceding.

548. Leconte's Sparrow. Passerherbulus lecontei.

Range.--Great Plains, breeding from northern United States to Assiniboia; winters south to Texas and the Gulf States.

A bird of more slender form than the preceding, and with a long, graduated tail, the feathers of which are very narrow and pointed. They nest on the ground in damp meadows, but the eggs are difficult to find because the bird is flushed from the nest with great difficulty. The eggs are white and are freely specked with brown. Size .70 × .52.

549. Sharp-tailed Sparrow. Passerherbulus caudacutus.

Range.--Breeds in marshes along the Atlantic coast from Maine to South Carolina and winters farther south.

These birds are very common in nearly all the salt marshes of the coast, nesting in the marsh grass. I have nearly always found their nests attached to the coarse marsh grass a few inches above water at high tide, and generally under apiece of drifted seaweed. The nests are made of grasses, and the four or five eggs are whitish, thickly specked with reddish brown. Size .75 × .55. The birds are hard to flush and then fly but a few feet and quickly drop into the grass again.

549.1. Nelson's Sparrow. Passerherbulus nelsoni nelsoni.

Range.--Breeds in the fresh water marshes of the Mississippi valley from Illinois to Manitoba.

This species is similar to the Sharp-tailed Finch but more buffy on the breast and generally without streaks. The nesting habits are the same and the eggs indistinguishable.

549.1a. Acadian Sharp-tailed Sparrow. Passerherbulus nelsoni subvirgatus.

Range.--Breeds in the marshes on the coast of New England and New Brunswick; winters south to the South Atlantic States.

This paler variety of Nelson's Sparrow nests like the Sharp-tailed species and the eggs are the same as those of that bird.

550. Seaside Sparrow. Passerherbulus maritimus maritimus.

Range.--Atlantic coast, breeding from southern New England to Carolina and wintering farther south.

This sharp-tailed Finch is uniform grayish above and light streaked with dusky, below. They are very abundant in the breeding range, where they nest in marshes in company with caudacutus. Their nests are the same as those of that species and the eggs similar but slightly larger. Size .80 x .60. Data.--Smith Island, Va., May 20, 1900. Nest situated in tall grass near shore; made of dried grass and seaweed. Collector, H. W. Bailey.

All the members of this genus have a habit of fluttering out over the water, and then gliding back to their perch on the grass, on set wings, meanwhile uttering a strange rasping song. The nesting habits and eggs of all the subspecies are precisely like those of this variety, and they all occasionally arch their nests over, leaving an entrance on the side.

550a. Scott's Seaside Sparrow. Passerherbulus maritimus peninsulœ.

Range.--Coasts of Florida and north to South Carolina. Above blackish streaked with brownish gray; below heavily streaked with black.

550b. Texas Seaside Sparrow. Passerherbulus maritimus sennetti.

Range.--Coast of Texas. Similar to maritimus, but streaked above.

550c. Louisiana Seaside Sparrow. Passerherbulus maritimus fisheri.

Range.--Gulf coast. This form is similar to peninsulœ, but darker and more brownish.

550d. Macgillivray's Seaside Sparrow. Passerherbulus maritimus macgillivrai.

Range.--Coast of South Carolina. Like fisheri but grayer.

551. Dusky Seaside Sparrow. Passerherbulus nigrescens.

Range.--Marshes of Indian River near Titusville, Florida.

This species is the darkest of the genus, both above and below, being nearly black on the upperparts. Their habits are like those of the others and the eggs are not likely to differ.

552. Lark Sparrow. Chondestes grammacus grammacus.

Range.--Mississippi Valley from the Plains to Illinois and casually farther east, and from Manitoba to Texas; winters in Mexico.

This handsome Sparrow has the sides of the crown and ear patches chestnut, and the sides of the throat and a spot on the breast, black. They are sweet singers and very welcome birds in their range, where they are quite abundant. Their nests are generally placed on the ground in the midst of or under a clump of weeds or tuft of grass, but sometimes in bushes or even trees; they are made of grasses and weeds and the eggs, which are usually laid in May, are white marked chiefly about the large end with blackish zigzag lines and spots. Size .80 × .60.

552a. Western Lark Sparrow. Chondestes grammacus strigatus.

Range.--United States west of the Plains; breeds from British Columbia to Mexico.

This paler and duller colored variety is common on the Pacific coast; its habits and nests and eggs are like those of the last.

553. Harris's Sparrow. Zonotrichia querula.

Range.--Mississippi Valley, chiefly west, breeding in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the exact range being unknown.

Although the birds are abundant during migrations, they seem to suddenly and strangely disappear during the breeding season. Supposed nests have been found a few inches above the ground in clumps of grass, the eggs being whitish, thickly spotted with shades of brown. Size .85 × .65.

554. White-crowned Sparrow. Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys.

Range.--North America breeding abundantly in Labrador and about Hudson Bay, and casually in northern New England and in western United States in the Rockies and Sierras.

Winters along our Mexican border and southward. A handsome species with a broad white crown bordered on either side by black, and with a white superciliary line and black lores; the underparts are uniform grayish white. These birds appear to be nowhere as common as the White-throated Sparrows with which they associate during migrations and in the breeding grounds. They build on the ground, generally near the edges of woods or in clearings, and lay from four to six eggs similar but larger, and with as much variation in markings as those of the Song Sparrow; pale greenish blue, spotted and splashed with reddish brown and grayish. Size .90 × .65. Data.--Nachook, Labrador, June 10, 1897. Nest of fine grasses on the ground in a clump of grass.

554a. Gambel's Sparrow. Zonotrichia leucophrys gambeli.

Range.--Rocky Mountains and westward from Mexico to Alaska, breeding chiefly north of the United States.

This bird is like the last but the lores are white. Its nesting habits and eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the former.

554b. Nuttall's Sparrow. Zonotrichia leucophrys nuttalli.

Range.--Pacific coast from British Columbia to Lower California.

Similar to the last but smaller and browner above; nests on the ground or in bushes, the eggs not being distinguishable from those of the other White-crowns.

557. Golden-crowned Sparrow. Zonotrichia coronata.

Range.--Pacific coast from Mexico to Alaska, breeding chiefly north of our borders.

This species has the crown yellow, bordered by black on the sides. Their habits are like those of the White-crowned Sparrows, they feeding upon the ground among the dead leaves, and usually being found in flocks and often accompanied by many of the last species. They nest upon the ground or in low bushes, and in May or June lay three or four eggs very similar to the last. Size .90 × .65.

CHIPPING SPARROW.

558. White-throated Sparrow. Zonotrichia albicollis.

Range.--North America east of the Plains and breeding from the northern tier of states northward; winters from the Middle States southward.

To my mind this is the most beautiful of Sparrows, with its bright and softly blended plumage and the pure white throat boldly contrasting with its grayish breast and sides of the head; the lores are adorned with a bright yellow spot. They are one of the most abundant of Sparrows in the east during migrations and their musical piping whistle is heard from hedge and wood. They nest most abundantly north of our borders, laying their three or four eggs in grass lined hollows in the ground, or more rarely in nests in bushes. The eggs are white or bluish white, thickly spotted with several shades of brown. Size .85 × .62. They nest most often in thickets or on the edge of swamps, in just such places as they are met with on their migrations.

559. Tree Sparrow. Spizella monticola monticola.

Range.--North America east of the Plains, breeding north of the United States to the Arctic coast, east of the Rockies; winters within the United States.

A larger bird but somewhat resembling the common Chipping Sparrow, but browner above, with a black spot on the breast and no black on the head. They are quite hardy birds and winter in many of the northern states where they may be found in flocks upon the snow, feeding on seeds of protruding weeds. They breed very abundantly in Labrador and about Hudson Bay, placing their green nests in hollows on the ground or moss; their three or four eggs are greenish white, abundantly speckled all over the surface with reddish brown. Size .80 × .55. Data.--Foothills of Black Mountains, McKenzie River, Arctic America, June 13, 1899. Nest on the ground under a tuft of grass on level plain; made of grasses and moss and lined with feathers.

559a. Western Tree Sparrow. Spizella monticola ochracea.

Range.--North America west of the Plains, breeding in Alaska and wintering to Mexico. A paler form of the last, the nesting habits and eggs of which are the same.

560. Chipping Sparrow. Spizella passerina passerina.

Range.--North America east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf to the interior of Canada and Newfoundland.

As indicated by their name socialis, Chipping Sparrows are sociable birds not only with others of the bird tribe, but with man. In all localities that are not overrun with English Sparrows, you will find these confiding birds nesting in trees and shrubs in the yard and in vines from porches, while in orchards, nearly every tree has its tenant.

They are smaller birds than the last (5.5 in. long) and have the brown crown bordered by blackish and a black line through the eye. Their nests, which may be found at any height from the ground and in any kind of a tree or shrub, are made of fine grass and weed stems, lined with hair; their three to five eggs are a handsome greenish blue, sparingly specked chiefly about the large end with blackish brown and purplish. Size .70 × .52.

560a. Western Chipping Sparrow. Spizella passerina arizonæ.

Range.--Western North America, chiefly west of the Rockies, from Mexico to Alaska; winters in Mexico.

This variety is much duller colored than the last and has but little brown on the back; its nesting habits are the same and the eggs do not appear to differ in any respect from those of the eastern bird.

561. Clay-colored Sparrow. Spizella pallida.

Range.--Interior of United States and Canada, from the Mississippi Valley to the Rockies, breeding from Iowa and Colorado northward; winters in Mexico.

These birds can best be described as like the Chipping Sparrow with the brown largely replaced with blackish. They breed quite abundantly in Manitoba and Minnesota, placing their nests on or near the ground, and making them of fine grasses. The eggs cannot be distinguished with certainty from those of the preceding but average a trifle smaller. Size .65 × .50. Data.--Barnsley, Manitoba, May 24, 1900. Nest of grass stalks lined with fine grass, one foot above ground in tuft of grass.

562. Brewer's Sparrow. Spizella breweri.

Range.--Western United States from Mexico to British Columbia rarely and chiefly between the Rockies and the Sierras; most abundant in New Mexico and Arizona.

This bird is similar to the last but is paler and more finely streaked. Their nesting habits are like those of pallida and the eggs are indistinguishable.

CHIPPING SPARROWS (The whole family).

563. Field Sparrow. Spizella pusilla pusilla.

Range.--North America east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf to southern Manitoba and Quebec; winters in the Gulf States.

These are abundant birds along roadsides, in thickets, or on dry sidehills, where they nest indifferently on the ground or in bushes, making their nests of grass and weed stems. They are the birds, whose high piping song is most frequently heard on hot sultry days in summer. Their eggs are laid in May or June; they are pale bluish white, speckled and blotched with yellowish brown and grayish purple. Size .65 × .50.

563a. Western Field Sparrow. Spizella pusilla arenacea.

Range.--Great Plains from Mexico to Montana, breeding in the northern half of its range and wintering in the southern.

A paler form of the last, whose general habits and eggs are the same as those of the eastern bird.

564. Worthen's Sparrow. Spizella wortheni.

Range.--Southern New Mexico southward through central Mexico.

This pale colored species is the size of the Field Sparrow but has no decided markings anywhere. It is a rare bird within our borders and uncommon anywhere. I am not able to find any material in regard to their eggs.

565. Black-chinned Sparrow. Spizella atrogularis.

Range.--Mexican border of the United States and southward.

This slim-bodied, long-tailed species is grayish with a dusky streaked, reddish brown patch on the back and a black face, chin and throat. Their habits are similar to those of the Field Sparrow and their nests are made near the ground in bushes, but the eggs are plain bluish green, about like unmarked Chipping Sparrows' eggs. Size .65 × .50.

566. White-winged Junco. Junco aikeni.

Range.--Breeds in the Black Hills of Dakota and Wyoming; winters in Colorado and casually to Kansas.

This species is like the next but larger and with the wings crossed by two white bars. Its habits are like those of the common Juncos, the nests are placed on the ground, concealed under overhanging rocks or tufts of grass, and the eggs are like those often seen of the Slate-colored Junco; 3 or 4 in number, pinkish white specked and spotted with light reddish brown. Size .75 × .55.

567. Slate-colored Junco. Junco hyemalis hyemalis.

Range.--North America east of the Plains, breeding in the northern tier of states and northward; winters in southern United States.

This species is slaty gray on the head, neck, breast, flanks, back, wings and central tail feathers; the rest of the underparts are white, sharply defined against the gray. They migrate through the United States in large flocks, usually accompanied by White-throated or Fox Sparrows. They breed very abundantly in the northern parts of their range, frequently in the immediate vicinity of houses but generally on the edges of clearings, etc., placing their nests on the ground and generally partially concealed by rocks, stumps, sods or logs; the nests are made of grasses, lined with hair, and the four or five eggs are white or greenish white, variously speckled with reddish brown either over the entire surface or in a wreath about the large end. Size .80 × .55.

567a. Oregon Junco. Junco hyemalis oreganus.

Range.--Pacific coast from California to Alaska, breeding north of the United States.

This sub-species is entirely unlike the preceding, having a black head, neck, throat, breast, wings and tail, and brown back; the remainder of the underparts are white, washed with pinkish brown on the sides. The habits and nesting habits of this western Junco are the same as those of the eastern, the birds building in similar localities and making the nests of the same material. There appears to be little, if any, difference between the eggs of the two varieties.

567b. Shufeldt's Junco. Junco hyemalis counectens.

Range.--Pacific coast breeding from Oregon to British Columbia and wintering south to the Mexican boundary.

Said to be slightly larger and duller colored than the Oregon Junco; eggs the same.

567c. Thurber's Junco. Junco hyemalis thurberi.

Range.--The Sierra Nevadas from Oregon to southern California.

Similar to oreganus but paler and back more pinkish; eggs will not differ.

567d. Point Pinos Junco. Junco hyemalis pinosus.

Range.--A very locally confined variety breeding in pine woods of southwestern California, about Monterey and Santa Cruz.

Similar to thurberi with the head and neck slaty instead of black.

567e. Carolina Junco. Junco hyemalis carolinensis.

Range.--Alleghanies in Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia.

A slightly larger bird than the Slate-colored Junco and with the bill horn color instead of pinkish white. They have been found to breed very abundantly in the higher ranges of the Carolinas, nesting under banks, in tufts of grass, or occasionally in small bushes, in fact in such locations as are used by hyemalis. Their eggs which are laid during May, June or July (probably two broods being raised) are similar to those of the Slate-colored species but slightly larger.

567f. Montana Junco. Junco hyemalis montanus.

Range.--From northern Idaho and Montana north to Alberta; winters south to Mexico.

This variety is like mearnsi but darker on the head and throat and with less pink on the sides. Its nesting habits and eggs do not differ from those of the Pink-sided Junco.

567g. Pink-sided Junco. Junco hyemalis mearnsi.

Range.--Breeds in mountains of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana and winters south to Mexico.

This species has the head and breast gray, the back brownish and the sides pinkish brown. They breed at high altitudes in the ranges, placing their nests of grasses under sods or overhanging rocks; their eggs are pinkish white before being blown and are spotted over the whole surface but more heavily at the large end with pale reddish brown and gray. Size .80 × .60.

570. Arizona Junco. Junco phæonotus palliatus.

Range.--Mountains of western Mexico north to southern Arizona.

Similar to the preceding species but upper mandible blackish and the gray on throat shading insensibly into the grayish white underparts. They are quite abundant in the higher ranges of southern Arizona, where they breed, placing their nests on the ground in similar locations to those chosen by other Juncos; the three or four eggs are greenish white, finely speckled chiefly about the large end with reddish brown. Size .76 × .60.

570a. Red-backed Junco. Junco phæonotus dorsalis.

Range.--Breeds in the mountains of New Mexico and Arizona and southward.

This variety is like the last but the reddish brown on the back does not extend to the coverts or wings. The nesting habits are like those of the last but the eggs are only minutely specked about the large end.

570b. Gray-headed Junco. Junco phæonotus caniceps.

Range.--Rocky Mountain region from Wyoming south to Mexico.

This species is similar to the Slate-colored Junco but has a reddish brown patch on the back. They nest on the ground in mountainous regions, concealing the nests in tufts of grass or under logs, stones, etc. The eggs are creamy or bluish white, specked over the whole surface, but most numerously about the larger end with reddish brown. Size .75 × .60. Data.--Custer Co., Colo., June 4, 1897. Slight nest of small rootlets and fine grass placed under a tuft of grass. Altitude over 8,000 feet.

571. Baird's Junco. Junco bairdi.

Range.--Southern Lower California.

This gray headed species with rusty back and sides is locally confined to the southern parts of the California peninsula where it is resident. Its eggs are not likely to differ from those of the Pink-sided Junco which it most nearly resembles.

567i. Townsend's Junco. Junco hyemalis townsendi.

Range.--Mountains of northern Lower California; resident and breeding. Similar to the Pink-sided Junco but duller colored; eggs probably the same.

572. Guadalupe Junco. Junco insularis.

Range.--Guadalupe Island off Lower California

Resembles the Pink-sided Junco but is smaller, darker and duller colored. They are common on the island where they nest in the pine groves, laying their first sets in February or March. The nests are like those of the genus and the eggs are greenish white, finely dotted with reddish brown at the large end. Size .77 × .60.

573. Black-throated Sparrow. Amphispiza bilineata bilineata.

Range.--Breeds from central Texas to Kansas; winters in southern Texas and Mexico.

This species is grayish brown above, with black throat, white superciliary and line on side of throat. This is a common species that nests on the ground or at low elevations in bushes, making their nests of weed stems and grasses. The three to five eggs are bluish white, unmarked and similar to those of the Bluebird but smaller. Size .72 × .55.

573a. Desert Sparrow. Amphispiza bilineata deserticola.

Range.--Southwestern United States from western Texas to southern California, and north to Colorado and Nevada; winters in Mexico.

Like the last but paler above. An abundant bird among the foothills and on plains throughout its range. Found generally in sage brush and thickets where it nests in bushes or on the ground laying three or four bluish white eggs like those of the last.

574. Bell's Sparrow. Amphispiza belli.

Range.--Southern half of California and southward.

These grayish, black and white birds are abundant in sage brush and thickets, nesting on the ground or at low elevations in bushes, and during May or June, laying from three to four eggs of a pale greenish white color, spotted and blotched with reddish brown and purplish. Size .75 × .60.

574.1. Sage Sparrow. Amphispiza nevadensis nevadensis.

Range.--Sage deserts of the Great Basin from Oregon and Montana, south to Mexico.

This sub-species is abundant throughout its range where it nests near or on the ground, in or under bushes and generally concealed from view. The nests are made of grass and sage bark lined with fine grass; the eggs are like those of the last species, greenish white, spotted and blotched with shades of brown and purplish.

574.1a. Gray Sage Sparrow. Amphispiza nevadensis cinerea.

Range.--A smaller and paler variety found in Lower California.

The nests and eggs of this pale variety probably do not differ in any respect from those of the better known varieties.

[Illustration z354: 574.1--576.]

575. Pine-woods Sparrow. Peucæa æstivalis æstivalis.

Range.--Florida and southern Georgia.

These birds are common in restricted localities in their range, nesting on the ground under bushes or shrubs; the nests are made of grasses and the four or five eggs are pure white with a slight gloss. Size .75 × .60. The birds are said to be fine singers and to frequent, almost exclusively, pine barrens.

475a. Bachman's Sparrow. Peucæa æstivalis bachmani.

Range.--South Atlantic and Gulf States; north to Indiana and Illinois.

This variety is common in most localities in its range, frequenting pine woods and barrens chiefly, and nesting on the ground in May or June. Their nests are made of grasses and lined with very fine grass, and have the tops completely arched over leaving a small entrance on the side. The eggs are pure white with a slight gloss and measure .75 × .60.

576. Botteri's Sparrow. Peucæa botterii.

Range.--Mexican plateau north to southern Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

They nest in abundance in tall grass in the lowlands of their range, the nests being difficult to find because the bird flushes with great difficulty. The nests are on the ground, made of grass, and the three to five eggs are pure white, measuring .75 × .60.

578. Cassin's Sparrows. Peucæa cassini.

Range.--Plains and valleys from Texas and Arizona north to Kansas and Nevada.

These birds breed in numbers on the arid plains, placing their grass nests on the ground at the foot of small bushes or concealed in tufts of grass, and during May lay four pure white eggs which are of the same size and indistinguishable from those of others of the genus.

579. Rufous-winged Sparrow. Aimophila carpalis.

Range.--Plains of western Mexico and north to southern Arizona.

This pale colored bird bears a remote resemblance to the Tree Sparrow. They nest commonly in dry arid regions, placing their nests at low elevations in bushes or cacti, preferably young mesquites, and making them of coarse grass lined with finer. Two broods are raised a season and from May to August sets of four or five plain bluish white eggs may be found. Size .75 × .60.

580. Rufous-crowned Sparrow. Aimophila ruficeps ruficeps.

Range.--Local in southern half of California and in Lower California.

A brownish colored species both above and below, which is found on mountains and hillsides in restricted localities. They nest on the ground placing their grass structures in hollows, usually at the foot of a small bush or shrub and well concealed. They lay from three to five pale bluish white eggs. Size .80 × .60.

580a. Scott's Sparrow. Aimophila ruficeps scotti.

Range.--Western Texas, New Mexico and Arizona south in Mexico.

A paler species, above, than the last, and whitish below. It is quite a common species on the mountain ranges where it nests on the ground, in clumps of grass or beneath shrubs or overhanging rocks; the nests are made of grasses and weeds scantily put together. The eggs are white, untinted. Size .80 × .60.

580b. Rock Sparrow. Aimophila ruficeps eremæca.

Range.--Middle and southern Texas and south in Mexico.

This variety frequents rocky mountain sides where it nests abundantly under rocks or at the foot of shrubs, the nests being made of coarse grasses loosely twisted together and lined with finer grass. The birds are shy and skulk off through the underbrush upon the approach of anyone so that the nests are quite difficult to find. The three to five eggs are pure white and of the same size as those of the last.

580c. Laguna Sparrow. Aimophila ruficeps sororia.

Range.--Mountains of southern Lower California.

The nests and eggs of this very similar variety to ruficeps proper are not likely to differ in any particular from those of that species.

581. Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia melodia.

Range.--North America, east of the Plains, breeding from Virginia to Manitoba and New Brunswick, and wintering chiefly in the southern half of the United States.

A favorite and one of the most abundant in all sections of the east. They are sweet and persistent songsters and frequent side hills, pastures, roadsides, gardens and dooryards if English Sparrows be not present. They nest indifferently upon the ground or in bushes, generally artfully concealing the nest by drooping leaves; it is made of grass and weed stems, lined with fine grass or, occasionally, horse hair. As is usual in the case of birds that abound about habitations they frequently choose odd nesting sites. They lay two and sometimes three sets of eggs a season, from May to August, the eggs being three to five in number and white or greenish white, marked, spotted, blotched or splashed in endless variety of pattern and intensity, with many shades of brown; some eggs are very heavily blotched so as to wholly obscure the ground color while others are specked very sparingly. They measure .80 × .60 with great variations.

581a. Desert Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia fallax.

Range.--Desert regions of southern Nevada, Arizona and southeastern California. The eggs of this very pale form are the same as those of the last.

581b. Mountain Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia montana.

Range.--Rockies and the Great Basin from Oregon and Montana southward.

This variety is paler than the Song Sparrow but darker than fallax. Eggs the same.

581c. Heerman's Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia heermanni.

Range.--California, west of the Sierra Nevadas.

Similar to melodia but with less brown and the markings blacker and more distinct. The nesting habits are the same and the eggs similar to large dark specimens of the eastern Song Sparrow. Size .85 × .62.

581d. Samuels Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia samuelis.

Range.--Coast regions of California, chiefly in the marshes.

Similar to the last but smaller. They nest on the ground in marsh grass, usually in sandy districts along the shore. The eggs average smaller than those of melodia. Size .78 × .58.

581e. Rusty Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia morphna.

Range.--Pacific coast of Oregon and British Columbia.

A dark species with the upper parts dark reddish brown and heavily streaked with the same below. The nesting habits and eggs are like those of melodia.