1921 



BIRDS OF MONTANA 



131 



\ 



247, Melospiza melodia merrilli Brewster 



Merrill Song Sparrow 

 This form of song sparrow occurs in northwestern Montana, west of the 

 continental divide. It may be the regular breeding subspecies in that region, but 

 niontaua has been found there too, and other birds are doubtful as to subspecies. 

 Merrilli has been taken at Corvallis, December 12, 1911 (Bailey, MS), and at 

 Poison Swamp, July 12, 1915 (Saunders, 1916c, p. 86). 



248. Melospiza lincolni lincolni (Audubon) 



Lincoln Sparrow 

 A common summer resident of the mountains in the western half of the 

 state, occurring throughout the state in migration. Breeds in the Canadian zone 



Fig. 30. Nest and eggs of the Lincoln Sparrow. 

 Pipestone Creek, Jefferson County; June 

 22, 1910. 



in the mountains, in willow thickets along the borders of mountain streams, 

 choosing a habitat corresponding to that of the song sparrow in the Transition 

 zone. In migration found in the valleys and prairies to the eastern limits of the 

 state. The most eastern points where it has been found in the breeding season 

 are Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 139) in the north, and Park County in 

 the south. In the center of the state it has not been noted east of eJefferson 

 County, but probably breeds in the higher mountains farther east. 



The migrations take place in May and September. Where found in migra- 

 tions only, it occurs somewhat earlier than on the breeding grounds, a fact that 

 would seem to indicate that the earlier migrants breed farther north. Dates of 

 spring arrival on the breeding grounds are as follows: Brackett Creek, Gallatin 

 County, June 3, 1909 ; Pipestone Basin, Jefferson County, June 3, 1910 ; Rocky 

 Canyon, Gallatin County, May 29, 1911 ; and Blackleaf, Teton County, May 29, 



