PASSERES OSCINES FRINGILLID.E. 



59 



September, and continuing so until May ; the period of nocking coincid- 

 ing very nearly with that during which birds are in the dull, "flaxen" 

 attire. • [213] 



§5. (120.) Plectrophanes nivalis {Linn.) Meyer. Snow Bunting; Snow Flake. 

 A rare winter visitant in the depth of winter, wholly irregular and 

 uncertain. [219] 



P^VS*^ 



Fig. 31.— Snow Buntinf 



P. lapponicus may also visit us occasionally under the same circum- 

 stances, but, if so, the fact remains to be determined, as it did in 1862. 



86. (121.) Passerculus sandvicensis savana ( Wils.) Bidg. Savanna Sparrow. 



Chiefly a spring and autumn migrant; none breed here, but a few 

 doubtless winter in secluded situations. It is very numerous on low, 

 moist meadows and watery savannas from March 15 to the first week 



Fig. 32. — Savanna Sparrow. 



in May, and from October 10 to November 10. It is a shy and retiring 

 species, keeping on the ground or among low, thick bushes, in compa- 

 nies sometimes of considerable size. It comes into full song before it 

 departs in the spring. There is a wide range of individual and seasonal 

 variation in size and color. [227] 



