20 LARK FINCH. 



cts bj the roadside, and along fence rows, where they may be 

 at once distinguished by their very gray colors. 



In spring they are to be found in Massachusetts in May, 

 and again in October and possibly later, as 1 have found them 

 at Albany, Maine, during the month mentioned. They breed 

 quite north of l!''^ew England, from Labrador northward, and 

 winter in the Southern States. 



Song. Is quite unlike that of the White-throated Sparrow, 

 being lively and clear, not unlike that of the Vesper Sparrow. 



G-;us. PRAIRIE SPARROWS. Choxdestes. 

 Bill, quite pointed. Wings, shorter than the tail which is 

 rounded and conspicuously marked with white. See plate V. 

 No streakings below in adult plumage. Sexes similar. 



Lark Finch. 

 Chondsstes grammactjs. 

 Plate IV, Fig.l. 

 Yellowish brown above, streaked with dark brown. Top of 

 head, reddish brown with a lighter central stripe which is 

 white on the forehead then buff, line over eye buff, becoming 

 white at base of bill. Spot below eye white, beneath which,is 

 a black spot. Ear coverts, chestnut, encircled below and be- 

 hind by white, beneath which is a black line. White, be- 

 neath, becoming yellowish brown on the sides, and with a 

 distinct black spot on the breast. Wings and tail brown the 

 former branded and edged with reddish and buff ; the latter, 

 tipped on all but central feather with v>'hite, but more broadly 

 on the outer feathers, the outer web of outermost, being 

 white at the base. 



