1915 ] Kopman, Birds of Louisiana. 27 



237. Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia melodia). A rare bird in the 

 lowland section of the State. In fact, the only record of which I have any 

 knowledge is that of a specimen taken near New Orleans in the early part 

 of March by Mr. Andrew Allison. In the winter of 1905-06, I noticed the 

 first at Biloxi, Miss., Oct. 24, and the last on March 12. 



[Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolni lincolni). This species, so far 

 as I know, has never been observed in Louisiana. It has been taken in 

 spring in north Mississippi, however, by Mr. Andrew Allison.] 



238. Swamp Sparrow {Melospiza georgiana). In suitable locations, 

 this is probably the most abundant winter visitor to the southern section 

 of the State except the Myrtle Warbler. It is remarkably abundant in 

 fresh water marshes, the edges of swamps and all unchained, overgrown 

 places. The earliest record of arrival at New Orleans is Oct. 3, 1894, and 

 it was common there Oct. 9, 1903. The first is usually seen in southern 

 Louisiana and southern Mississippi about Oct. 8. Like the White-throated 

 Sparrow it remains common until the early part of April. The last is seen 

 a little later, usually about May 1 . The latest date of departure is May 3, 

 1898, at New Orleans. 



239. Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca iliaca). Rare in the southern part 

 of the State. Several were seen and a specimen taken by Mr. Andrew Alli- 

 son in a briery pasture on the edge of a wood on well drained land near New 

 Orleans on Feb. 22, 1897. This is the only record of its occurrence in the 

 southern part of the State of which I know. It has been reported as rather 

 common in north Louisiana in winter. 



240. Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus) . Resident; 

 fairly common in most sections of the State; in the fertile alluvial section 

 of the southeast it is found chiefly about the plantations or in woods better 

 drained than the average timbered lands. In the prairie section it is a 

 common and rather conspicuous inhabitant of mixed growths of briers, 

 canes, etc. Individuals show remarkable attachment to the comparatively 

 few spots in the fertile alluvial region where they occur. An unusually 

 well drained piece of woodland near New Orleans that I have visited re- 

 peatedly in the past twenty years is practically the only spot in an area of 

 15 or 18 square miles where I have always been practically certain of seeing 

 this bird. 



241. Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis). Rivalled only by 

 the Mockingbird and Carolina Wren among the smaller birds of the State 

 in absolutely uniform abundance in every section. 



242. Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Zamelodia ludoviciana) . Occasion- 

 ally common in migration, either spring or fall, for a day or two at a tjme. 

 In southern Louisiana, it is most apt to be noted the latter part of April 

 and early part of October. The latest date of its occurrence at New Orleans 

 in spring is May 6, 1897. Have never noted it in early spring, and in fact 

 have no record of its occurrence before April 21. The earliest date of its 

 occurrence in fall at New Orleans is Oct. 6, 1894. One was seen at Ellis- 

 ville, Miss., Oct. 19, 1897. 



