Open Nests in Woods, Thickets, Swampy Thickets 
567. Snowbird; Junco: Junco hyemalis (Linn.) 
Adult § —Dark slate colour with slight brownish tinge, except the 
lower part of breast and belly, which, together with the outer 
tail feathers, is white. 
Adult 2 —ls less decided and lighter in colour. Length—6.27. 
“Young in first plumage resemble the adults, but have the 
upper parts, throat, and breast streaked with black.” (Chap- 
man.) 
Breeding Range—The more northern parts of New England, New 
York, and Pennsylvania, southward along the Alleghanies to 
Virginia. 
The nest may be found among the roots of a fallen tree, in 
crevices of banks, or in bushes, but usually it is on the ground in 
a tangle of undergrowth. It is built of dry grass and moss, well 
lined with fine grass and hair. The eggs are greenish or bluish 
white with fine spots and sometimes blotches of reddish purple- 
brown and lilac, chiefly in a wreath round the larger end. Size 
—.76 x .56. See Fig. 14, Plate C. 
Most of us have met this quiet-coloured bird, but only when 
nearly all of our summer birds have gone to warmer climes ; he 
then frequents the vicinity of dwellings, spending most of his 
time either on the roadside or in places where he can find the 
seeds that form his winter food. During the breeding season few 
of us are fortunate enough to see him, as he betakes himself to 
higher altitudes or to the more northern parts of New England. 
In Ontario the Snowbird is said to begin nesting ‘‘ the first week 
of May, and nests with eggs are found as late as August.”” Minot 
says that in the White Mountains they lay their eggs in June. 
567e. Carolina Snowbird or Junco: J. h. carolinensis 
Brewst. 
Resembles the common snowbird, but is slightly larger and 
is without the brownish tinge to the slate colour of the head, 
breast, and back. 
Breeding Range—The southern part of the Alleghanies, in Virginia 
and the Carolinas. 
The nest is described as being similar to that of the common 
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