64 



The Peab()d\ 

 name the White-troated Sparrow is 

 frequently known, is unquestion- 

 ably the most handsome of all the 

 Sparrows. His plumage, not in the 

 least gaud\', harmonizes perfectly in 

 every detail and presents a very 

 pleasing picture to the eye. The 

 colors on his back, as in most of 

 the Sparrows, correspond closely to 

 those of the dead leaves, and as he 

 spends most of his time on the 

 ground |_he is a very inconspicuous 

 subject. 



If anyone doubts the value of our 

 song birds as insect destroyers, you 

 can easily convince him of his error. 

 About the first week in April or the 

 latter part of September, when these 

 birds are in full migration, take this 

 doubter out with you and watch 

 them. Low brush, in a somewhat 

 swampy locality, is their favorite 

 abiding place. Just before reach- 

 ing this place you will hear a com- 

 motion among the leaves. Now 

 approach quietly so as not to disturb 

 them, and when close enough stop 

 and watch a moment. Ah! sure 

 enough, there are perhaps fifteen or 

 twenty White-throated Sparrows in 

 sight, each one scratching as though 

 his life depended on it, and throw- 

 ing the leaves in all directions. 

 Now if your friend is at all sincere 

 and is willing to be convinced, he 

 will know that these birds are not 

 working so diligently for their 

 health, but that they are destroying 

 •countless numbers of insects, and 



A M ER / CA N 0R.\ 'ITU O LOG V. 

 HABITS. 



Bird, b\' which therefore that they are of the great- 

 est value to mankind. 



Another step and perhaps one 

 sharp eyed little fellow sees you. 

 With an angry, business-like chirp, 

 he hops upon a branch and with his 

 fellows, v\ho at his first warning 

 followed his example, proceeds by 

 his vigorous chirping, to inform 

 you that your presence is not want- 

 ed, his whole body quivering mean- 

 while from the vehemence of his ar- 

 guments. 



Early in the morning and toward 

 dusk their song rings out sharply 

 and clearly, amid the babble of the 

 other birds. While at times it 

 sounds rather melancholv, still it is 

 a more perfect song from a music- 

 ian's view than that of any other 

 bird. No artist on his flute can pro- 

 duce a clearer, sweeter note than 

 can this gifted songster. The song 

 consists mainly of six notes, the 

 first generally low and the remain- 

 ing ones of a higher pitch. He 

 seems to delight in seeing how many 

 variations he can get on these notes 

 by changing the length and key. 



During a warm shower in spring, 

 when the other birds are silent, you 

 will see him perched on one foot in 

 a low bush, with tail drooping, and 

 head up, merrily giving voice to his 

 welcome carol. 



But they cannot tarry long as 

 they must hurry to their nesting 

 places, so that they may be ready 

 to return again in the fall, before 

 the weather is too severe. 



