The Chipping Sparrow 



153 



mained in the nest and for a few days afterward. A summary of a day with 

 them will probably give the best idea of the work done by the male, also an 

 index to the almost unsatiable appetite of the fledgling. We chose July 7, 

 four days before the young 

 left the nest, for this purpose. 



One of our party arrived 

 at 3.50 A.M. to find the birds 

 already astir about the 

 second nest, the female 

 going about quietly while 

 the male gave vent to his 

 feelings in song which was 

 cut short a half hour later 

 by a chirp from the nestling 

 that sent him scurrying ofif 

 to the garden in search of 

 food. The young received 

 the first portion of its break- 

 fast at 4.30. 



Beginning at 3.50 a.m. 

 and ending at 7.15 p.m., 

 this bird-day comprised 

 fifteen hours and twenty-five minutes. By the end of the hour following the 

 first feeding, the young had been fed eighteen times, and a decrease in the 

 number of feedings per hour followed until the low mark of four was reached 

 during the noon hour and again at the end of the period terminating at 3.30 

 P.M. A decided increase began at the close of this period and was maintained 

 up to 7.15 when the fledging received its last visit and food for the day. The 



CHIPPING SPARROW AT NEST 



MALE CHIPPING SPARROW FEEDING HIS ONLY YOUNG 



