iSSs-j Agersborg on Birds of Southeastern Dakota. 28 1 



72. Zonotrichia albicollis. White-throated Sparrow. — Common 

 migrant. 



73. Zonotrichia leucophrys. White-crowned Sparrow. — Not so 

 common as the preceding species. 



74. Zonotrichia querula. Harris's Sparrow. — One of our most abun- 

 dant migrants. Arrives about May 1, and remains for nearly three 

 weeks, becoming very fat. It is found in the brush along the rivers, and 

 far out on the prairies wherever there are a few plum trees or willow 

 bushes in the ravines. It is a very tame bird and easily secured. About 

 October 1 it returns and does not leave until severe frosts occur, about 

 November 1. I do not think it breeds here. I found one the middle of June, 

 three or four years ago, and watched it closely for hours, hoping to find its 

 nest ; finally, tired of waiting, I shot the bird and found it to be an old male 

 with atrophied testicles, which probably accounts for its remaining here 

 when its companions went away. 



75. Chondestes grammica. Lark Finch. — Very common in summer; 

 breeds early, as I have found its nest with a full complement of eggs as 

 early as May 1. The first brood is raised from nests placed in unplowed 

 fields; the second and third are generally built among potato vines or 

 vegetables with heavy foliage. Have no doubt that three broods are often 

 raised. 



76. Passerella iliaca. Fox Sparrow. — A not very common migrant. 

 Only single birds have been noticed. 



77. Calamospiza bicolor. Lark Bunting. — Common summer resi- 

 dent. It prefers the low bottom lands with their tall growth of grass 

 for nesting places. Several nests may sometimes be found within an area 

 of a quarter section. The male is conspicuous during the whole season ; 

 the female less so, being rarely seen, especially during incubation. The 

 eggs of this species and of the Black-throated Bunting are so similar that 

 it is necessary to be very careful in identifying the nest and birds. Of the 

 many nests I have seen, those of the Lark Bunting were invariably placed 

 on the ground between the grass tufts ; those of the Black-throated Bunting 

 sometimes on the ground, at other times in the middle of a tuft, the 

 growing grass elevating it for several inches. The nest of the Lark Bun- 

 ting is, as a rule, not so well upholstered with horse hair as that of the 

 Black-throated. Snaring is often the surest means of correct identifica- 

 tion, but this may mislead, as it once did me. Setting a steel-trap on a 

 Duck's nest to catch the mother, I was surprised next morning to find in 

 my trap the 'wrong bird,' — an oologist commonly styled 'Skunk.' 



7S. Spiza americana. Black-thro /vted Bunting. — Common sum- 

 mer resident; breeds everywhere ; seeks generally a more elevated place 

 for breeding than the foregoing. 



79. Zamelodia ludoviciana. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. — A not very 

 common summer resident ; breeds. 



80. Zamelodia melanocephala. Black-headed Grosbeak. — Much 

 rarer than the foregoing; have never found it breeding here. 



81. Passerina amcena. Lazuli Finch. — A few stray birds seen every 

 summer. Its nest I have never found, though it certainly breeds here. 



