Nests in Trees, Bushes, or Vines 
Within the United States these nests are rare, as the birds 
breed chiefly further north. The season for nesting in northern 
New York is from early in May to the middle of June. 
552. Lark Sparrow; Lark Finch: Chondestes 
grammacus (Say) 
Eggs resembling those of the Baltimore oriole, whitish, with 
spots and dark purplish scrawl-like markings. 
See Page 47, Chapter I. 
558. White-throated Sparrow: Zonotrichia albicollis 
(Gmel.) 
Eggs white or bluish white, with fine marks and heavy 
blotches of different shades of brown. 
See Page 60, Chapter II. 
560. Chipping Sparrow: Spizella socialis (Wils.) 
Adult—Upper parts streaked with black, rufous gray, and buff ; 
top of head rufous; under parts light gray. Length—5. 37. 
The young are without the rufous crown, and with 
streaks on the breast in first plumage. 
Breeding Range—Throughout the Eastern States. 
The nest is composed chiefly of fine grass and fine roots, 
with hairs for lining. It is shallow, and is placed in vine, bush, 
or tree, at a height from the ground of from one to twenty-five 
feet; there are very exceptional instances of the nest being on 
the ground. 
3 to 5 eggs are laid; they are rather light blue, tinged with 
green, with few fine spots, and sometimes fine scrawls of light 
and dark purplish brown at the larger end. Size—.7o x .51. 
See Fig. 8, Plate D. 
These common little sparrows are well known as being of a 
social disposition, breeding usually in the immediate vicinity of a 
dwelling, and often building their frail nest in the vines that grow 
against the house. When in captivity they lose to a great 
10 145 
