328 BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 



Hab. — Eastern North Aineiica, west to tlie Plains and Alaska (Valley of 

 the Yukon to the Pacific), and from the Arctic Coast south to the Gulf States. 

 Breeds north of the United States, winters eiiiefly south of the Potomac and 

 Ohio Rivers. 



Nest, indifferently on the ground or in a tree, coni])ose(l of grass, moss and 

 fibrous roots, lined with hair and feathers. 



Eggs, four to six, greenish-wliite, thickly spotted with rusty-l)rown. 



This large and handsome Sparrow breeds in the north and winters- 

 in the south, but l)y what particular route it passes between the two 

 points I am at a loss to determine, for in this part of Ontario it is 

 seldom seen. 



In the London list it is mentioned as " rare during migration, four 

 or five specimens taken." In all my rambles I have only met with 

 it a few times, and but once have I heard it utter its rich, musical 

 notes, which are the admiration of all who hear them. Sj leaking 

 of this species, Dr. Coues, in his " Birds of the North- West," says : 

 " During the sunny days which precede their departure, the males 

 are fond of perching on the top of a small tree or bush to warble a 

 few exquisitely sweet notes, the overture of the joyous music which, 

 later in the year, enlivens the northern solitudes whither the birds 

 resort to breed." The nest has not been found within the limits of 

 the United States or Ontario, so far as I am aware, l)ut in the list 

 of " Birds of Western Manitoba," Mr. Thompstjn mentions it as 

 breeding on Duck Mountain. 



Audubon found it Ijreeding in Labi-ador in July; it is known to 

 spend the summer rn Xewfoundland. Kennicott and Macfailane 

 found it breeding in the Ai-ctic Regions. 



Of Alaska, Mr. Nelson says : " Along the coast of Norton Sound, 

 this bird is an abundant summer resident, sharing with the Tree 

 Sparrows the bushy shelter of the alder thickets on the hill-sides 

 and sheltered ravines. Wherever, along the northern coast, a fair- 

 sized alder patch occurs, this hardy species may confidently he looked 



for On pleasant fiosty mornings at this season, the males take- 



their stand upon the loof of the highest Ijuilding, or the cross upon 

 the Greek church, just l)ack of the dwellings, whence the}' pour 

 forth their clear thrush-like whistle." 



I have noticed it once or twice passing south in Octol)er, but none 

 have })een observed duiiiiu the winter. 



