Part 20

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from the northern parts of the northern tier of states northward; winters south to the Gulf.

Sub-Species.—567e. Carolina Junco (carolinensis), found in the Alleghanies from Virginia to Georgia; there are several races found west of the Rockies.

BLACK-THROATED SPARROW 573. Amphispiza bilineata. 5½ inches

These little Sparrows are entirely unlike any other North American species. They are found in the southwestern deserts, where they are not uncommon in certain localities, being found in mesquite or chaparral brush.

Note.—An ordinary Sparrow chip; song, a rich metallic “zip-zip-zip-zee-zee-zee,” the first three ascending, the second three notes descending.

Nest.—In bushes or cacti at low elevations; eggs plain bluish white (.70 × .50).

Range.—From Texas north to Kansas in summer. A paler sub-species, the Desert Sparrow (deserticola), is found westward to southern California.

SAGE SPARROW 574.1 Amphispiza nevadensis. 6¼ inches

These birds are found in arid regions, frequenting the sage brush that is found in the Great Basin region, from western Texas to California.

PINE-WOODS SPARROW 575. Peucæa æstivalis. 5¾ inches

Upper parts streaked with black; back chestnut and gray; under parts buffy white; tail rounded.

These dull-colored birds are abundant on some of the southern pine barrens. Their habits are similar to those of the Henslow Sparrow; they are quite shy and it is almost impossible to make one show itself above the grass, through which it runs and dodges with great swiftness. If it is surprised into taking wing it goes but a few feet, then drops out of sight again.

Note.—A metallic chip; song, similar to that of the Field Sparrow, but reversed; that is, with the trill first.

Nest.—Of grasses, on the ground, under shrubs or in tufts of grass; not usually arched as those of Bachman Sparrow seem to always be; four or five pure white eggs (.72 × .60).

Range.—Georgia and Florida. 575a. Bachman Sparrow (bachmannii) is brighter above but has fewer black streaks; found in the South Atlantic and Gulf States and north to Indiana.

SONG SPARROW 581. Melospiza melodia. 6¼ inches

This is probably the best known, most abundant, and most widely distributed (in its numerous sub-species) of all our birds. They are quite hardy and many of them winter in the northern states, but the majority go farther south, returning to their summer homes about the first of March. They may be found anywhere where there are bushes, vines, or hedges, and often about houses, even in large cities.

Song.—Very pleasing and musical, strongly resembling brilliant measures from that of the Canary.

Nest.—Of grass, either on the ground or in bushes; three to five bluish-white eggs, profusely spotted with brown (.80 × .58).

Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding from Virginia and Missouri north to southern Canada. Winters from Massachusetts and Ohio southward. Many local races are found west of the Rockies, but only one east of there. 581j. Dakota Song Sparrow (juddi) is found in the vicinity of Turtle Mountains, North Dakota; it is said to be lighter above and brighter below.

LINCOLN SPARROW 583. Melospiza lincolnii. 5¾ inches

Upper parts extensively brown and black, breast and sides bright buff with fine black streaks.

These finches are quite abundant in the West, especially during migrations, but are rather uncommon in the eastern states. Their habits are similar in some respects to both those of the Song Sparrow and of the Grasshopper Sparrow. They are very lively at all times and in the mating season quite pugnacious. They sit for minutes at a time upon the top of a bush pouring forth their melody, and they have one of the most brilliant songs of any of the family.

Song.—Loud, clear, and gurgling, after the style of the House Wren; call, a metallic chirp.

Nest.—Of grass, on the ground, in tufts of grass or under small shrubs; eggs pale greenish white, heavily marked with chestnut (.80 × .58).

Range.—N. A., breeding from northern U. S. to Labrador and Alaska; winters in southern half of U. S.

SWAMP SPARROW 584. Melospiza georgiana. 5¾ inches

Forehead black; crown chestnut with a gray median stripe; whole upper parts very dark; under parts grayish with brown sides.