SWAMP SPARROW. 
584. Melospiza georgiana. 5%4 inches. 
Forehead black; crown chestnut with a gray median 
stripe; whole upper parts very dark; under parts gray- 
ish with brown sides. 
A very quiet and unobtrusive species that dwells, as 
its name implies, chiefly in swamps. They creep about 
under the rank weeds and underbrush like so many mice; 
they are especially fond of the soft mires where walking 
is so difficult for human beings; they patter around on 
the soft mud with evident enjoyment, occasionally walk- 
ing across an open space of water on what floating 
debris they may find available. 
Song.—A feeble chant; call, a sharp metallic cheep. 
West.—Of grasses, on the ground in damp places; 
four or five eggs, having a pale greenish-blue color heav- 
ily blotched and clouded with shades of brown (.80 x .55). 
Range.—N. A. east of the Plains, breeding from 
New Jersey and Missouri north to Labrador and Hud- 
son Bay; winters in southern half of the U. 8. 
