SONG SPARROW. 63 



Comparisons. Readily known by the decided reddish brown 

 color above, combined with the spottings and streakings below 

 on a white ground, together with the short wings and long tail. 

 The White-throated Sparrow iv« about the same color above, but 

 this is not streaked below' and has longer wings. For com- 

 parisons with Lincoln's and Swamp Sparrows, see these spe- 

 cies. 



General PIabits. The Song Sparrow is a constant resi- 

 dent in New England from Massachusetts southward and a 

 summer visitor to the sections further north. It is true, how- 

 ever, that in Massachusetts they are quite uncommon in win- 

 ter, but some remain wherever they can find such shelter, as 

 brush heaps and thickets along walls may afford them. 



The Song Sparrows are among the first to breed of the 

 smaller birds, nesting often by the middle of April. The first 

 nest of the season is generally placed on the ground, but 

 when a second litter of eggs is laid, w^hich event occurs as soon 

 as the young of the first brood are fully grown, the nest is oft- 

 en placed in a bush. The reason for this change is obvious, for 

 wliile the ground affords a warmer situation for the first nest, 

 which is built during the somewhat uncertain weather of our 

 middle spring, it is also a better place for concealment. As 

 soon as the weather becomes warmer, the second nest is placed 

 above the ground in some thicket or bush v^here it is not as 

 easily seen by animals which are ever ready to prey upon the 

 eggs or young. A third litter of eggs is often deposited by 

 the same pair of birds in a single season, even when they have 

 succ< eded in rearing two other broods of young. 



