SONG SPARROW. 
581. Melospiza melodia. 6% inches. 
This is probably the best known, most abundant and 
most widely distributed (in its numerous sub-species) 
of all our birds. ‘They are quite hardy and many of them 
winter in the northern states, but the majority go far- 
ther south, returning to their summer homes about the 
first of March. They may be found anywhere where there 
are bushes, vines or hedges, and very often about houses, 
even in large cities. 
Song.—Very pleasing and musical, strongly resem- 
bling brilliant’ measures from that of the Canary. 
Nest.—Of grass, either on the ground or in bushes; 
three to five bluish-white eggs, profusely spotted with 
brown (.80x .58). 
Range.—Eastern N. breeding from Virginia and 
Missouri north to aati n Canada. Winters from 
Massachusetts and Ohio southward. Many local races 
are found west of the Rockies, but only one east of 
there. 581}. Dakota Song Sparrow (juddi) is found in 
the vicinity of Turtle Mountains, North Dakota; it is 
said to be lighter above and brighter below. 
