Jantauv, 1S93.] 



AND OOLOGIST. 



13 



Distribution of Illinois Birds. 



Last fall, Mr. W. E. Loucks, of Peoiia, 

 and myself decided to attempt the task of 

 ascertaining the geographical distribution 

 and breeding range of certain Illinois 

 birds. 



In following out this plan, we have se- 

 lected a number of birds for 1S93, and ask 

 of the ornithologists of Illinois certain in- 

 formation about them. A number have j 

 responded to the circulars sent them ask- 

 ing aid ; but we still desire others, espe- 

 cially in the central and southern parts of 

 the state. 



We earnestly request any one having 

 information will write to us, and if circu- 

 lars have not been sent to them, we will 

 be very glad to furnish them with any in- 

 formation in regard to the work. 



Now about the information we want. 



We do not ask you to make future ob- 

 servations. We desire any information of 

 which you may now be possessed, how- 

 ever little. 



If vou have not found the species, it is 

 important, foi' several of those on the list 

 are only found in certain localities, and we 

 wish to have them fully defined. 



The reports may all be sent in at one 

 time, or monthly, which will give an op- 

 portunity for observation this season for 

 any data you may not have in your notes 

 should you desire to obtain it. 



We vvouki be glad to have you state the 

 abundance of the species in vour locality 

 and as nearly as possible how many nests 

 found, number of eggs laid, and place of 

 building. 



If you report monthly jour report should 

 be in by the toith of the preceding month, 

 in order that it may be combined in time 

 for publication. 



To make a success of this work we will 

 need all the aid we can get, and our work 

 will be valuable in proportion to the num- 

 ber of localities we receive reports from. 



Any one who can contribute even but a 

 little is requested to send it in. 



A list of those who will aid us will be 

 ready for the February "O & O." and if 

 possible a description of the locality. 



The first report will be in at that time. 



It is our hope at some time in the near 

 future to have a catalogue that will give 

 the geographical distribution of every bird 

 found in the state, but tiie amount of aid 

 we receive now must determine our future 

 course. Dr. A. C. M/irc/iison. 



Kewanee, 111. 



Abnormal Coloring of a Song Spar- 

 row's Eggs. 



On June iS, 1S93, I found a nest of the 

 Song Sparrow containing four eggs, three 

 of the Sparrow and one of the Cowbird. 

 There are no two alike and to the observer 

 the}' present the appearance of four differ- 

 ent species of eggs, so greatly do they dif- 

 fer in tlieir marking. 



No. I. Size .80 X .60: is a very hand- 

 some egg. The ground color of the larger 

 end for about one half its length is light 

 brown, the remaining half pale blue, im- 

 maculate. On the larger end there is a 

 blotch of reddish brown about three eighths 

 of an inch in diameter and a few scatter- 

 ing spots of the same color. The shading 

 of the brown half into the blue is quite 

 abrupt. 



No. 2. .So X. 39; ground color, pale 

 blue, immaculate for about two thirds its 

 length, with a wreath of reddish brown, 

 and a few scattering spots of light and dark 

 brown around the greater end. 



No- ?>• -75 -^ -55 ' giayish white, speck- 

 led all over with various shades of reddish 

 brown. The spots are larger and more 

 confluent at the larger end. With the ex- 

 ception of its slightly larger size, it is in- 

 distinguishable from the typical Field 

 Sparrow's egg. There was nothing pecu- 

 liar in the material or situation of the nest, 

 neither is there any doubt of their identity. 



G. L. H. 



Bethel, Conn. 



