22 HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS. 



and lined with fine hair or other soft material. These 

 nests much resemble those of the oven bird, except the 

 artificial covering, but they are always so placed in tus- 

 socks, or on the side of knolls or banks, as to make a 

 natural shelter that ^vill completely hide from view the 

 sitting birds. They have somehow learned that their 

 conspicuous color makes this precaution necessary, while 

 the neutral or ground-colored sparrows nearly all nest 

 in open places, their resemblance to the surroundings 

 proving their natural safeguard. 



The common song of the junco is merel}^ a succession 

 of clear, tinkling notes like the rhythmic clinking of 

 pieces of silver. I have also occasionally heard it 

 indulge in a low warble, always pleasing, because unex- 

 pected. The Iludsonian sparrow has almost as many 

 local names as the "flicker." Among them are "slate 

 sparrow," from its color; "black chippy," from its 

 chirping notes so similar to those of the chipping bird ; 

 and "snow bird," from its occasional appearance in 

 company with the snow-bunting in midwinter. 



The latter part of March small flocks of cedar birds 

 {Amjpelis ceclroriirti) put in a brief appearance. They 

 were evidently on a tour of inspection, "spying out the 

 land," as they soon returned south to await milder days 

 and a better supply of food before settling for the sum- 

 mer. They are readily recognized by the tuft of crown 

 feathers or "top-not;" and also by the little scarlet 

 beads .upon the wing feathers, resembling bits of red 

 sealing wax. They are hardly classed among the sing- 

 ing birds, but their presence adds a charm to the sur- 



