PASSERES—FRINGILLID. 147 
but few grasshoppers. It would thus appear that this spar- 
row is deserving of protection for the large numbers of 
weed seeds destroyed, and for its part in keeping in check 
the insect pests. 
The White-crowned Sparrow reaches Ohio during the 
first five days of May and remains nearly two weeks. It 
returns again early in October and remains about two 
weeks. 
203. (558.) ZONOTRICHIA ALBICOLLIS (Gmel.). 100. 
White-throated Sparrow. 
Synonyms: Fringilla pennsylvanica, F.. albicollis. 
White-throated Crown Sparrow, Peabody-bird, White-throat, 
Yellow-browed Sparrow, Bush Sparrow. 
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 164, 183. 
If the White-crowned Sparrow, be considered common. 
during its migrations the White-throat iy abundant usually. 
There is no direct evidence that it ever breeds in the state. 
It prefers the brushy tangles bordering woods, but may be 
found in almost any brushy places away from woods, par- 
ticularly if it be abundant. It associates with Song, Field 
and Vesper Sparrows more or less, and with Juncos some- 
times. The clear, whistled call or song may rarely be heard 
during the southward movement, but is given full-voiced 
during the northward one. To one familiar with the bird 
its alarm call is characteristic. 
Weed seeds comprise half of what this sparrow eats, 
only 3 per cent. is grain; about 30 per cent. is wild fruit 
in the season of fruit. The insects eaten are chiefly harmful 
species. The debt is therefore wholly on our side of the 
account. 
The White-throat reaches northern Ohio from its winter 
sojourn in the southern counties, early in April and remains 
well into May. It returns again late in September and re- 
mains about five weeks. 
