September, and retiring thither to breed late in April or early in May. During its stay 
here the Junco usually forages in flocks of considerable size, and is seen oftenest by the 
road-sides. In severe weather, however, and compelled by hunger, it approaches barns 
and dwellings, and, laying aside its customary timidity, becomes quite fearless. 
Its song is not much more than a high-pitched trill and is not often heard. 
Probably the bird is more voluble in its northern nesting-places, for only in Spring, 
just upon the eve of its departure, do we detect the song, and we may reasonably suppose 
that what we catch is but the preparatory tuning up, so to say, a sort of making ready 
for the real nuptial chant. It has a call, while with us, which Dr. Coues terms ‘‘its 
snapping note.” 
PLATE XXXIII.—SONG SPARROW. 
Melospiza fasctata. 
Above streaked with black and brown ; crown chestnut with small 
black stripes ; under-parts white streaked with black and brown; a 
brown stripe behind the eye; wing feathers edged with dull red; tail 
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