88 J'ESPER SPARROW. 



Vesper Sparrow; Grass Finch: Pooccetes gramineus. 



Length 6 inches. 



Upper parts brown streaked with black. 



Under parts white, breast and sides streaked with black. 



Outer tail-feathers white. 



A rare permanent resident, but abundant in migrations. 



Ill spring and autumn, Vesper Sparrows are seen 

 in small flocks, when they are readily known by their 

 white tail-feathers, which are very conspicuous as 

 they fly. They are true to the name of Grass Finch 

 and keep to grassy fields, preferably to those that are 

 high and dry. We seldom see them outside of migra- 

 tions, although their nests have been found in a wild 

 field north of Fort Myer, and also near Silver Spring. 

 The nest is sunk in the ground, and the eggs, 4 to 5, 

 are thickly spotted. 



Mr. Chapman writes of the song of the Vesper 

 Sparrow: "When singing he generally selects an ele- 

 vated perch and gives himself entirely to his musical 

 devotions. Early morning and late afternoon are his 

 favorite hours, but he can be heard at other times. 

 His song, which is loud, clear, and ringing, may be 

 heard at a distance of several hundred yards. It 

 resembles that of the Song Sparrow, but is sweeter 

 and more plaintive. When heard in the evening it is 

 a truly inspired and inspiring melody." 



