292 ZOOLOGY— BIKDS. 



its habits closely resembles the Black-tliroated Sparrow ; the two species 

 being generally found together, not only during the winter, but also in the 

 breeding season. The eggs of the two species closely resemble each other, 

 those of the present bird being slightly larger and more elongated ; and 

 while but three form the usual nest complement of the Black-throated 

 Sparrow, this species usually lays four and five. Several sets of the former 

 bird were found which were spotted, but such never appears to be the case 

 with those of the Rufous-winged Sparrow. In the winter, these birds may 

 be seen in small flocks, mingled with the Black-throated Sparrows, the 

 Cassin's Finches, White-winged Blackbirds, Bell's Finches, and others. 

 Tlicy generally are found among the shrubbery near the water courses, and 

 seldom wander far from these. In habits and actions, it resembles greatly 

 the Chipping Sparrow. Its nest appears to be the one most favored by 

 the Dwarf Cow Bunting {Molothrus var. ohsairus) as the recipient of its 

 eggs. 



A large suite of specimens, and in better condition than thpse at hand 

 when Dr. Coues described the species, enables me to give a description 

 somewhat more precise, especially as regards the coloration. 



Adult summer plumage : entire crown dull bay, the feathers on the 

 occipital region margined with dull ash ; a broad superciliary line of dull 

 ash, and generally a prominent median stripe of same ; back and nimp 

 grayish bi'own, lighter near the neck ; scapulars and interscapular region 

 sharply streaked with blackish brown ; bend of wing bright chestnut ; wings 

 and tail dull brown ; primaries margined faintly with white ; greater coverts 

 tij)ped with same ; inner quills and greater coverts margined conspicuously 

 with ochraceous ; under parts ashy white, chin whiter ; the ash most con- 

 spicuous across the breast ; a shai-ply defined though short maxillary streak 

 of black, above which is a second from the angle of the mouth ; bill dusky 

 brown above, pale flesh color below ; iris hazel ; legs light brown. In fall 

 specimens, the colors are purer and fresher ; the bay of the head is darker ; 

 the ashy median line more conspicuous ; light margins to the wings broader ; 

 the outer tail feathers margined, and even tipped with dull white. 



First plumage : above streaked heavily with black feathers, margined 

 with (iiliraceus brown, as also are the quills and greater coverts ; bond of 



