122 Contributions from the Charleston Museum. 



swarms with them. On May 6, 1899, I observed them near 

 Mount Pleasant in enormous numbers, the marshes being Uter- 

 ally alive with them. These birds were without doubt migrants 

 from points to the southward and were on the way to their breed- 

 ing grounds, for, upon visiting the place on May 8 and 9, I found 

 the marshes deserted. 



This species varies greatly in size. An adult male taken Oc- 

 tober 28, 1901, at Mount Pleasant, measured in the flesh 6.75 

 inches. 



The Seaside Sparrow breeds from North Carolina (?) to south- 

 ern Massachusetts. 



210. Passerherbulus maritimus macgillivrail (Aud.). Macgil- 



livray's Seaside Sparrow. 



Macgilhvray's Finch was described by Audubon from a young 

 bird taken by Dr. Bachman near Charleston, and was for many 

 years considered by ornithologists to be the young of the Seaside 

 Sparrow (P. maritimus), until Mr. Ridgway pointed out that it 

 was subspecifically distinct and entitled to recognition by a char- 

 acter mentioned in Audubon's description, namely — the black- 

 ish mesial streak on the middle tail-feathers. 



Audubon states in Birds of America:^ 



My friend Dr. Bachman informs me that none of these Finches remain in 

 South CaroUna during winter, and that they generally disappear early in Novem- 

 ber, when the weather is still very pleasant in the maritime portions of that state. 



My experience with this bird is exactly contrary to that of 

 Dr. Bachman, as it is most abundant (if such a word can be used) 

 during the autumn and winter months. Dr. Bachman must 

 have referred to the young, which, however, have acquired the 

 plumage of the adult before the middle of November. 



I have been unable to find this form breeding on our coast, yet 

 it is possible that it does, since the young in first plumage occur 

 during the second week in July, and the adults in worn breeding 

 plumage are to be seen during the third week in July. A distinct 

 northward migration takes place about April 16, and continues 

 until April 27, when all the birds have gone north, and of course 

 to their breeding grounds. 



The habits of this form are identical with those of the Seaside 

 Sparrow. 



>III, 107. 



