SONG SPARROW. 



581. Melospiza melodia. 6^A inches. 



This is probably the best known, most abundant and 

 most Avidely distributed (in its numerous sub-species) 

 of all our birds. They are quite hardy and many of them 

 winter in the northern states, but the majority go far- 

 ther south, returning to their summer homes about the 

 first of March. They may be found anywhere where there 

 are bushes, vines or hedges, and very often about houses, 

 even in large cities. 



Song". — Very pleasing and musical, strongly resem- 

 bling brilliant measures from that of the Canary. 



Nest. — Of grass, either on the ground or in bushes; 

 three to five bluish-white eggs, profusely spotted with 

 brown (.80x.58). 



Range. — Eastern N. A., breeding from Virginia and 

 Missouri north to southern Canada. Winters from 

 Massachusetts and Ohio southward. Many local races 

 are found west of the Rockies, but only one east of 

 there. 581 j. Dakota Song Sparrow (juddi) is found in 

 the vicinity of Turtle Mountains, North Dakota; it is 

 said to be lighter above and brighter below. 



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