92 



SOXG SPARROW. 



vary with individual singers, and the same bird does 

 not always sing the same notes. 



This Sparrow frequents wild fields, particularly 

 those that are overgrown with bushes and small ever- 

 greens. He may generally be found in nesting time 

 in a field just west of Chevy Chase Circle, but he is 

 so shy and cunning that it is difficult to get a. good 

 look at him, as he will usually manage to keep some- 

 thing, if only a leaf, between himself and the observer. 



The nest is on the ground or in a low bush, and 

 the white eggs, 4 to 5, are much speckled with brown. 



Song Sparrow: Melospiza fasciata. 



Length about 6^4 inches. 



Upper parts streaked, black, brown and gray. 

 Under parts white, with conspicuous dark streaks: a dark 

 blotch in center of the breast. 



Resident (abundant) all the year. 



''The blessed little Song Sparrow! " exclaims Mrs. 

 Olive Thorne Miller, and so say we all. No bird is 

 dearer to us than this plain-coated little fellow, whose 

 sweet and cheery song is heard in all weathers 

 throughout the year. It sounds especially happy in 

 early spring, when with the Bluebird he announces 

 the departure of winter. Go into the Smithsonian 

 grounds on any mild day in March or even in Feb- 

 ruary, and your heart may be thrilled by this delicious 

 bit of melody. It begins often with two or three loud, 

 clear notes, and then goes rippling round, according 

 to the fancy of the singer. A homely translation but 

 one that helps the learner is " Maids, maids, put on the 

 tea kettle, ettle, ettle." 



The distinguishing mark of the Song Sparrow is the 

 dark blotch on his breast. He lives near water and 



