^'^hite- throated Sparrow. 57 



It anyone doubts the value of our song birds as insect 

 destroyers, you can easily convince him of his error. About 

 the first week in April or the latter part of September, when 

 these birds are in full migration, tako this doubter out with 

 you and watch them. Low brush in a somewhat swampy 

 locality, is their favourite abiding place. Just before reaching 

 this plarc' you will hear a commotion among the l:^aves. Now 

 if your friend is at all sincere and is willing to be convinced, 

 he will know that these birds are not working so diligently, 

 for their health, but that they are destroying countless numbers 

 of insects, and therefore that they are of the greatest valuei 

 to mankind. 



Another step and perhaps one sharp-eyed little fellow 

 sees you. With an angry, business-like chirp, he hops upon 

 a branch and with his fellows, who at his hrst warninjg 

 followed his example, proceeds by his vigorous chirjjing to 

 inform you that your presence is not wanted, his whole body 

 quivering meanwhile from the vehemence of his arguments. 



Karly in the morning and towards dusk their song 

 ringSfOUt sharply and clearly, amid the babble of the other b>ds. 

 While at tiTnes it sounds rather melancholy, still it is a more 

 perfect song from a musician's view than that of any other 

 bird. No artist on his flute can produce a clearer, sweeter 

 note than can this gifted songster. Tlu song consists mainly 

 of six notes, the lirsi generally low and the remaining ones 

 of higher pitch. He seems to delight in seeing how many 

 variations he can get on these notes by changing the length 

 and key. 



During a warm shower in spring, when the other birds 

 are silent, you will see him perched on one foot in a Low 

 bush, with tail drooping, and head up. merrily giving voice to 

 his welcome carol. 



But they cannot tarry long as they must hurry to their 

 nesting places, so that they may be ready to i^eturn again in. 

 the fall, before the weather is too, severe. 



[The above species is the least known of the Song 

 Sparrows to private aviculturists, but a pair has recently; 



