1S90.] PoUNG on the Fringillidtv of Western Illinois. 2 J. I 



several pairs to breed in a clover field of some ten acres or more, through 

 which extends a swampy brook well lined with -weeds and a few patches 

 of tall grass. During the spring migration large numbers of this species, 

 as well as Leconte's and the Yellow-winged Sparrow frequent this field, 

 and often in an hour's walk I have flushed several dozen of them which 

 on taking flight would usually seek the tail grass and weeds about the 

 brook. 



15. Ammodramus leconteii. Leconte's Sparrow. — Fully as abun- 

 dant as the last species, and perhaps more evenly distributed locally. The 

 habits of Leconte's Sparrow are similar to those of Henslow's, and its 

 migration takes place at about the same time. My earliest record for the 

 spring migration was on March 14, 1SS9, when I shot a single male bird 

 which was flushed from among short blue-grass, in a large open field. 

 This Sparrow like the last two is often found in wheat or oat stubble 

 grown up with glass and smartweed. where the hollows usually contain 

 thick shelter to which they resort when disturbed. The young Leconte's 

 and Henslow's Sparrows are sometimes found in August in immature plu- 

 mage, but as yetl have failed to find any positive proof of the former spe- 

 cies breeding here. 



16. Ammodramus caudacutus nelsoni. Nelson's Sparrow. — Appar 

 entlv of very rare occurrence here, as all my searches have revealed but a 

 single specimen, a male shot on April 26, 18S9, in a reedy marsh. 



17. Chondestes grammacus. Lark Sparrow. — Common summer 

 resident, reaching here from the south about Mav 1. Old pasture fields 

 and fields of corn are most frequented by them, where they often sing for 

 hours from the top of some dead tree. The nest is placed on or near the 

 ground, often among crab sprouts in grassy places. 



iS. Zonotrichia querula. Harris's Sparrow. — I have shot and pre- 

 served two specimens, a male and a female, of this species. They were 

 found along a brush fence in a small clump of bushes where others were 

 observed. The species is probably a regular, but rare, migrant as far 

 east as the Mississippi bottoms. 



19. Zonotrichia leucophrys. White-crowned Sparrow. — A common 

 migrant, more often seen in spring than fall when they migrate in small 

 bands of half a dozen or more, sometimes in with flocks of the White- 

 throated Sparrows. They seem to prefer bushy pastures and fences of 

 osage hedge. 



20. Zonotrichia albicollis. White-throated Sparrow. — Found 

 here in greater numbers than the last; both arrive from the south in some 

 numbers by the middle of April and remain until about May 10. The 

 song is very pleasant, though not loud. 



21. Spizella monticola. Tree Sparrow. — Very common in winter. 

 This a"nd the Junco are found in about equal numbers in winter, both 

 species remaining late in spring, sometimes until the first of May. 



22. Spizella socialis. Chipping Sparrow. — Abundant summer resi- 

 dent, arriving sometimes by March 20. Two or three broods are raised 

 here. The nests are built in shrubs and cedars in the city suburbs. 



