92 SONG SPARROW 



that bird songs vary with individual singers, and also 

 that the same bird does not always sing the same 

 notes. 



This Sparrow frequents wild fields, particularly 

 those that are overgrown with bushes and small ever- 

 greens. He may generally be found in nesting time 

 in a field just west of Chevy Chase Circle, but he is 

 so shy and cunning that it is difficult to get a good 

 look at him, as he will usually manage to keep some- 

 thing, if only a leaf, between himself and the observer. 



The nest is on the ground or in a low bush, and 

 the white eggs, 4 to 5, are much speckled with brown. 



Song Sparrow: Mclospiza uiclodia. 



Length about 654 inches. 

 Upper parts streaked, black, Ijrown and gray. 

 Under parts white, with ccmspicntjus dark streaks; a dark 

 blotch in center of the breast. 



Resident (al)iindant) all the year. 



" The blessed little Song Sparrow! " exclaims Mrs. 

 (Jlive Thorne IVliller, and so say we all. No bird is 

 dearer to us than this plain-coated httle fellow, whose 

 sweet and cheery song is heard in all weathers 

 throughout the year. It sounds especially happy in 

 early spring, when with the Bluebird he annoimces 

 the departure of winter. Co into the Smithsonian 

 grounds on any mild day in March or even in ]'\^b- 

 ruary, and your heart may l)e thrilled l)y this delicious 

 bit of melody. It begins often with two or three loud, 

 clear notes, and then goes rippling round, according 

 to the fancy of the singer. A homely translation, l)tit 

 one that helps the learner, is " Maids, maids, put on 

 the tea kettle, ettle, ettle." 



The' distinguishing mark of the Song Sparrow is 



