THE BACHMAN SPARROW. 



79 



May. Perhaps this is because they are so near the southern limit of their 

 breeding range that they cannot be sure they care to move. The birds are 

 said to breed still in the wilder portions in the northeastern part of the state. 

 but i f this I have no certain knowledge. 



No. 38. 



BACHMAN SPARROW. 



A. O. U. No. 575a. Peucaea aestivalis bachmanii (Aud.). 



Description. — Adults: Above bluish gray streaked with dark chestnut or 

 bay; back, usually, with a few black streaks centrally; wings and tail fuscous 

 with various edgings of gray, rufous or white; loral area and line over eye buffy, 

 becoming gray behind ; a narrow ash} or whitish median line more or less distinct 

 or obsolete (according to season?) ; below gray, washed with brownish or dingy 

 buff, the overcast being heaviest on breast and sides; edge of wing yellow; bill 

 horn-color, darl es1 al ove; feet light brown. 1 oung in first plumage are streaked 

 on breast. Length 5.50-6.25 (139.7-158.8) ; wing 2.45 (62.2); tail 2.60 (66.); 

 bill .50 (14-2). 



Recognition Marks. — Warbler to sparrow size; mixed bay and gray of 

 upper parts. To be carefully distinguished from the Field Sparrow by its larger 

 bill, and more distinct buffy suffusion of breast, etc. 



A HAUNT OF TIIK BACHMAN 



