Sparrow WESTERN BIRDS 



eastern States, frequenting dry, open uplands, roadsides 

 and open meadows. These birds are not gregarious as 

 are the Snowflakes or Longspurs, although small flocks 

 may be seen during migrations and oftentimes several 

 pairs nest in the same locality. 



As they run along on the ground before you, or dodge 

 behind some bush, they are hard to observe; but when 

 they take wing the white feathers on the tail are con- 

 spicuous markings. 



Though these birds are ground dwellers, when the 

 spirit moves them to sing they mount a shrub, post, pole, 

 or any available object, and there pour forth a loud, 

 clear, ringing song that has something of the ring of the 

 Song Sparrow. Early morning and late evening are 

 favorite song times, but he does not limit himself to 

 these times. Forbush says that the bird sometimes 

 sings to greet the rising moon, and even flutters into the 

 air, like the Skylark, with an exquisite burst of song, 

 Mr. Burroughs has well named it the Vesper Sparrow, 



Two similar birds represent this one on the West 

 Coast. One is the Western Vesper (P. g. confinis), and 

 the other is the Oregon Vesper (P. g. affinis). 



Mrs. Bailey says of the Western Vesper: "In the San 

 Francisco mountain country. Dr. Mearns says the west- 

 ern vesper sparrow is a common summer resident in the 

 upper pines, and was found breeding in the grassy open- 

 ings up to 10,000 feet. It is also common in sagebrush 

 districts, and in settled parts of the west is commonly 

 seen on roadside fences. It may be recognized by its 

 white outer tail feathers as it flies, or, as it sits on a 

 post, by its dull coloration and pale bay shoulder 

 patches." 



It has the same way of singing from a post, or tall 

 weed, as has its eastern cousin. 



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