VESPER SPARROW. 
2 
040. Poewcetes gramineus. 6 inches. 
The chestnut shoulders and white outer tail feathers 
distinguish this from any other of our Sparrows. 
The name Vesper Sparrow is given this bird because 
of its habit of tuning up along towards evening; it is 
perhaps more often known as the “Bay-winged Sparrow” 
“Grass Finch.” 
They are found chiefly in dry pastures or along dusty 
roadsides, where they start from the ground in tront of 
us, their white tail feathers s showing prominently as they 
fly, so that there will be no mistake as to their identity. 
Song.—A clear, ascending series of whistles, given 
from a fence post or bush top; call, a sharp chirp. 
Nest.—Of grasses in weedy fields or pastures; four or 
five whitish eggs marked and blotched with brownish 
(.80 x .60). 
Range.—Hastern N. A. from Virginia to southern 
Canada; winters in southern U. S. The similar Western 
Vesper Sparrow (confinis) is found from the Plains to 
the Pacific coast ranges. 
