340 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS. 



county, New York, within a very few years, and appears to be 

 gaining a foothold there. The number of specimens of this form 

 before me is very large, and while they show it to be a well-marked 

 race, especially when extremes of either form are compared, they 

 also prove that on the one hand it intergrades wth alpestris and 

 on the other with leitcoUeina, according as the respective regions in- 

 habited by these fonns are approached. Certain specimens also 

 from Kansas more than hint that, as we go westward, it passes into 

 arenicola of the plains. A winter specimen of this form from Texas 

 indicates the extent of its dispersion at this season." (Hexshaw, I. c.) 

 This common but by no means well-known bird is a constant resi- 

 dent throughout the State, except in the wooded districts, although 

 the same individuals probably nowhere remain the year round in any 

 one locality. It is mostly confined to the prairie portions, but has 

 spread to nil the cultivated districts, and there is no doubt that its 

 range has greatly extended of late years as the country has become 

 more cleared of forest and a greater area brought under cultivation. 



