ENGLISH SPARROW. 
*** Passer domesticus. 6% inches. 
These street urchins were introduced into our coun- 
try from Europe about 1850, and have since multiplied 
and spread out so that they now are found in all parts 
of our land from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Hereto- 
fore they have confined themselves chiefly in the im- 
mediate vicinity of the larger cities and towns, but it is 
now noted with alarm that they are apparently spread- 
ing out into the surrounding country. They are very 
hardy creatures, able to stand our most rigorous winters. 
They are fighters and bullies from the time they leave 
the egg, and few of our native birds will attempt to live 
in the neighborhood with them. 
Notes.—A harsh, discordant sound, which they com- 
mence early in the morning and continue until night. 
Nest.—Of straw and rubbish piled behind blinds, in 
the tops ef electric lights or crevices of buildings, and 
sometimes large, unsightly heaps of straw in trees. 
‘They raise three or four broods a year and in all sea- 
sons; five to seven whitish eggs scratched with black. 
Range.—Whole of U. S. and southern Canada. 
