1921 BIRDS OP MONTANA 1.31 



247. Melospka melodia merrilli Brewster 



.Mkkrill Song Sp.vkrow 

 This loi'in of soiiii' sparrow occurs in northwestern Montana, west of the 

 continental divitlc. It may b(^ the regiihir hreeding subspecies in that region, but 

 montana has been found there too, and other birds are doubtful as to subspecies. 

 Merrilli has been taken at Corvallis. December 12, 1911 (Bailey, MS), and at 

 Poison Swamp, July 12, 1!)15 (Saunders, IDKic, p. Sfi). 



248. Melospiza lincolni lincolni (Audubon) 



Lincoln Sparrow 

 A common summer resident of the mountains in the western half of the 

 state, (iccuri'ing Ihrouglidiit the state in migration. ISi-eeds in the Canadian zone 



Fig. .3U. Nest ami f.ghh of tuf; Linccii.x Spahrow. 

 Pipestom; Crekk. Jeffekso.n Coi'nty; Ji'ne 

 22, 1910. 



in the mountains, in willow thickets along the borders of mountain streams, 

 choosing a habitat corresponding to tliat of the song sparrow in the Transition 

 zone. In migration found in the valleys and prairies to the eastern limits of the 

 state. The most eastern points where it has been found in the breeding season 

 are Teton County (Saunders, 1914a, p. 139) in the north, and Park County in 

 the south. In the center of the state it lias not lieen noted east of JeffcM'son 

 County, but probabl.y breeds in the higher mountains farther east. 



The migrations take place in May and September. Where found in migra- 

 tions only, it occurs somewhat earlier than on the breeding grounds, a fact that 

 would seem to indicate that the earlier migrants breed farther north. Dates of 

 spring arrival on the breeding grounds are as follows: Brackett Creek, Gallatin 

 County, June 3, 1909; Pipestone Basin, Jefferson County. June 3, 1910; Rocky 

 Canyon, Gallatin County, :May 29, 1911: and Blackleaf, Teton County. Ma.'- 29, 



