78 THE WILSON QUARTERLY. 



vary from .62 to .72 in length by 50 to .55 in breadth. The 

 average is about .08 x .53. 



The period of incubation is twelve days, and the young 

 leave the nest in twelve or thirteen days. 



Melospiza fasciafa. Song Sparrow. 



The range of Song Sparrow seems to correspond very 

 nearly to that of Chippy. It is not found breeding in either 

 Texas or North Carolina. Even in Iowa it is not common 

 in summer in the central portion. In Wisconsin, Iowa, 

 Xew York, Connecticut and Maine, it is common all sum- 

 mer. In Wisconsin Mr. Clark found the first nest May 12, 

 last July 12; Howe May 17, first; Strong May 3. first, eggs 

 slightly incubated last week of July, the last. In Ohio May lo 

 is the first date. In NewYork, April 22, Stone. In Connecticut, 

 May 17, last June 16, Sage. In Maine, May 20, Weatliern. 



Song Sparrow builds its nest either on the ground or in 

 trees or low bushes Mr. Weathern has found nests '"in a 

 hollow place in a tree, four feet up." Mr. Clark says, "the 

 first nest is on the ground, the second in willows." Strong- 

 finds some in brush piles and weeds. In Ohio I have found 

 them only on the ground, and in Connecticut Mr. Sage finds 

 them only on the ground. They are seldom many feet a- 

 bove ground in any locality. 



The nest is made of weed stems, leaves, grass, and lined 

 with fine grasses and hair. The nest is not very compact- 

 ly made ; the outer layer of leaves and weed stems falling off. 



The eggs range from three to six in a set, usually five. 

 They vary so greatly in coloration that only a general idea 

 can be given of the general appearance. Some are pinkish 

 white, running through, greenish white to light bluish 

 green. The coloring is usually in rather heavy blotches, 

 with a few spots and splashes of several shades of dark 

 brown, all so heavy that the ground color is obscured or 

 hidden. 



In size the}^ average .73 x .57, varying a few hundredths 

 each way. Thus they are ovate in shape, almost oval. 



The period of incubation is thirteen days. I have never 

 been able to studycarefully the full history of Song Spam w. 



