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habitats from wet swamps, grassy uplands, and brushy thickets to dry 
plains and sand dunes. The terms Sparrow, Linnet, Finch, and Bunting 
are almost synonymous and are applied to various species irrespective of 
their relationship. The name Sparrow is, therefore, a very broad one and 
can be applied to many species of very different rank and value. It is 
to be regretted that one objectionable introduced form should have 
cast discredit upon a large family which includes many beautiful as well as 
useful birds and some of great sweetness of song. The most typical feature 
of the Sparrows in popular estimation is a plain earthern coloration, but 
some of the brightest of plumages are found amongst them and in place of 
the commonly expected Sparrow chirp are some remarkable vocal achieve- 
ments. The Sparrow can be divided roughly into ground species, tree 
species, winter wanderers, and Grosbeaks. Superficially observed, the 
first are dull in appearance, but, on close examination, often show beautiful 
colour harmonies. The tree species are often very brightly coloured. The 
winter wanderers usually exhibit a large amount of dull reds. The Gros- 
beaks, recognized by their great, heavy bills (Figure 50, p. 26) are highly 
coloured. This is not a scientific subdivision but as the recognition of 
Sparrows is difficult to the amateur any classification that will help is of 
use. 
514. Evening Grosbeak. FR.—LE GROS-BEC A COURONNE NOIRE. Hesperiphona 
vespertina. lL, 8. One of the largest Sparrows with the very large powerful bill which is 
typical of the Grosbeaks (Figure 50, p. 26). It is coloured in broad masses of strong 
yellow with black wings, tail, and crown and a white band over the wing. The female is 
similar, but duller in colour with an ashy wash over all. 
Distinctions. Size, bill, and large amount of yellow. The female retains enough 
yellowish showing through the ashy to be easily recognized. The yellow or yellow-green 
colour of the bill is diagnostic of all plumages. For a comparison of the female with the 
Pine Grosbeak, see that species. 
Field Marks. Size and yellow coloration. As it is a winter visitant only, it cannot 
be confused with other birds. 
Nesting. In trees; nest of small twigs lined with bark, hair, and rootlets. The nest 
has been seldom seen. 
Distribution. Central and western North America, south along the mountains. 
Migrating east irregularly in winter. 
SUBSPECIES. The Evening Grosbeak is divided into an Eastern and Western 
subspecies; only the former, the type form, occurring in eastern Canada. The breeding 
grounds of the eastern bird are still to be accurately determined. 
This is only an irregular winter wanderer in eastern Canada. Some- 
times years will pass without the bird being seen and then suddenly it 
appears everywhere. The causes of these irregular appearances have 
not been definitely detericined. Whether the birds are driven from 
their usual winter ranges by lack of food or are attracted to others by an 
unusual abundance cannot be stated. Food is probably the determining 
factor. 
Economic Status. The Evening Grosbeak, coming only in winter, 
ean do very little harm. Its favourite food is the seed of the Manitoba 
Maple left hanging on the trees, or the fruit of the Mountain Ash or 
Rowan trees. The fact that the Manitoba Maple has in recent years 
been planted extensively in all parts of Canada may affect the migration 
habits of this bird. Almost any dried winter fruit is taken and it delights 
to remove the seeds from old rotten apples left hanging through the winter 
