206 LAND-BIRDS AXD GAME-BIRDS 



the Gulf of Mexico (though in the "West represented by several 

 varieties), being abundant and well known in almost all parts 

 of New England ; and, indeed, in a majorit}' of places the}' are, 

 with the exception of the Chipping Sparrows, the most com- 

 mon of all the finches. It is impossible to define accurately 

 all their haunts, since these vai'y according to the nature of 

 the country, and somewhat according to the seasons ; but their 

 haunts, and moreover all those minor habits which have not 

 been fully detailed, may easily be learned by the ornithological 

 experience of one or two 3'ears. 



(c?). The song of the Song Sparrow is sweet, lively, and 

 poured out with an energ}"^ which doubles its charm. It has 

 several variations, which might excusably be attributed to two 

 or three species ; but the one most often heard is that which 

 they give utterance to in the spring. This is an indescribable 

 song, characteristic of itself. It usually begins with a thrice 

 repeated note, followed by the sprightly part of the music, 

 concluding with another note, which, like the first, is often 

 tripled.^^ The Song Sparrows have also eccentric music, pecu- 

 liar to the mating-season, and in autumn often soliloquize. 

 In the earlier part of spring thej^ sing most loudl}^ in summer 

 they are much less often heard ; in fall they sing unfrequently, 

 and in winter seldom. Occasionally they pour out their music, 

 when dropping to the ground from some perch above the fields, 

 with wings outstretched. Their ordinary notes are a charac- 

 teristic, sharp chuck, or " hoarse cheep" as it variously sounds, 

 and a chip, less often heard, which resembles that of several 

 other sparrows. 



The Song Sparrows, regarding man's so-called " interests," 

 are neutral, feeding principally upon seeds or small berries, 

 but with those who know them are justly favorites, particularly 

 on account of their sprightly song, which, if we except the 

 Blue Birds' note, is the first to be heard in spring. 



'=Sec account of the Ked-winged Blackbird's notes (§14, IV, A, d). 



