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habitats from wet swamps, grassy uplands, and brushy thickets to dry 

 plains and sand dunes. The terms Sparrow, Linnet, Finch, and Bunting 

 are almost synonymous and are applied to various species irrespective of 

 their relationship. The name Sparrow is, therefore, a very broad one and 

 can be applied to many species of very different rank and value. It is 

 to be regretted that one objectionable introduced form should have 

 cast discredit upon a large family which includes many beautiful as well as 

 useful birds and some of great sweetness of song. The most typical feature 

 of the Sparrows in popular estimation is a plain earthern coloration, but 

 some of the brightest of plumages are found amongst them and in place of 

 the commonly expected Sparrow chirp are some remarkable vocal achieve- 

 ments. The Sparrow can be divided roughly into ground species, tree 

 species, winter wanderers, and Grosbeaks. Superficially observed, the 

 first are dull in appearance, but, on close examination, often show beautiful 

 colour harmonies. The tree species are often very brightly coloured. The 

 winter wanderers usually exhibit a large amount of dull reds. The Gros- 

 beaks, recognized by their great, heavy bills (Figure 50, p. 26) are highly 

 coloured. This is not a scientific subdivision but as the recognition of 

 Sparrows is difficult to the amateur any classification that will help is of 

 use. 



514. Evening Grosbeak, fr. — le gros-bec a couronne noire. Hesperiphona 

 vespertina. L, 8. One of the largest Sparrows with the very large powerful bill which is 

 typical of the Grosbeaks (Figure 50, p. 26). It is coloured in broad masses of strong 

 yellow with black wings, tail, and crown and a white band over the wing. The female is 

 similar, but duller in colour with an ashy wash over all. 



Distinctions. Size, biU, and large amoimt of yellow. The female retains enough 

 yellowish showing through the ashy to be easily recognized. The yellow or yellow-green 

 colour of the bill is diagnostic of all plumages. For a comparison of the female with the 

 Pine Grosbeak, see that species. 



Field Marks. Size and yellow coloration. As it is a winter visitant only, it cannot 

 be confused with other birds. 



Nesting. In trees; nest of small twigs lined with bark, hair, and rootlets. The nest 

 has been seldom seen. 



Distribution. Central and western North America, south along the mountains. 

 Migrating east irregularly in winter. 



SUBSPECIES. The Evening Grosbeak is divided into an Eastern and Western 

 subspecies; only the former, the type form, occurring in eastern Canada. The breeding 

 grounds of the eastern bird are still to be accurately determined. 



This is only an irregular winter wanderer in eastern Canada. Some- 

 times years will pass without the bird being seen and then suddenly it 

 appears everywhere. The causes of these irregular appearances have 

 not been definitely determined. Whether the birds are driven from 

 their usual winter ranges by lack of food or are attracted to others by an 

 unusual abundance cannot be stated. Food is probably the determining 

 factor. 



Economic Status. The Evening Grosbeak, coming only in winter, 

 can do very little harm. Its favourite food is the seed of the Manitoba 

 Maple left hanging on the trees, or the fruit of the Mountain Ash or 

 Rowan trees. The fact that the Manitoba Maple has in recent years 

 been planted extensively in all parts of Canada may affect the migration 

 habits of this bird. Almost any dried winter fruit is taken and it delights 

 to remove the seeds from old rotten apples left hanging through the winter 



