168 BIRDS OF NOVA SCOTIA—DOWNS. 
Uncommon. Passes through the Province in the spring. 
When running it suggests the appearance of a rat. 
Subgenus AMMODRAMUS. 
180. Ammodramus candacutus subvirgatus. Acapray Suarp- 
TAILED SPARROW. 
I think this bird occurs in the Province. 
Genus ZONOTRICHIA Swainson. 
181. Zonotrichia albicollis (@mel.) (558). Wuurre-rHroarep 
Sparrow ; “ Kennepy Brrp;” “ Peasopy Birp.” 
Abundant summer resident. Its weleome song—“ Oh come 
pity-me, pity-me, pity-me’—is first heard about the end of April. 
When walking through the woods late at night, this bird is 
sometimes heard to break forth into his sweet and plaintive lay, 
as though unconscious of the darkness which hangs in the trees 
around. 
Genus SPIZELLA bonaparte. 
182. Spizella monticola (Gmel.) (559). Tree Sparrow. 
Common winter visitor. Breeds in the north. 
188. Spizella socialis (Wzs.) (560). Cuippina Sparrow. 
Lately became rather common. Summer. Builds in Mr. 
*Nisbit’s grounds and other favourable localities. 
184. Spizella pusilla (Wils.) (563). Firtp Sparrow. 
Not very common. A few observed about Mr. W. Winton’s 
place. Breeds here. Summer resident. 
Genus Junco Wagler. 
185. Junco hyemalis (Linn.) (567). SLATE-COLOURED Junco ; 
“ BLACK SNOWBIRD.” 
This is one of the commonest birds we have. It breeds every- 
where. Resident. Locally called the “ Blue-bird.” 
Genus MEvospizA Baird. 
186. Melospiza faciata (Gmel.) (581). Sona Sparrow. 
Very common. A few remain all winter. Sometimes called 
“Spring Bird” by the country people, 
ee on eo 
