2A2 Poling, on the Fringillidce of Western Illinois. [J u 'y 



23. Spizella pallida. Clay-colored Sparrow. — I have occasionally 

 met with this species during the migrations. Early in May, 1S87, I col- 

 lected a number of specimens, and found them quite common in pasture 

 and stubble fields near the city. 



24. Spizella pusilla. Field Sparrow. — The Field Sparrow arrives 

 from the south by the first of April, and is soon dispersed over the fields 

 and pastures in considerable numbers. The song may be heard at any 

 time in the spring or summer. Two broods at least are raised, and I 

 have found the full set of fresh eggs by May 1. Nests are built in brush 

 and bushes, among dead grass, or on the ground. I have found nests 

 with eggs in cedar bushes five or six feet high. 



25. Junco hyemalis. Slate-colored Junco. — During the winter 

 months this bird is common about the houses at the approach of or dur- 

 ing storms. When the weather is pleasant they seek the fields and 

 orchards or borders of woods where brush piles are found. I have records 

 of the occurrence of this species as early as September 1, and on one oc- 

 casion I met with a male bird on May 24, which was apparently in a 

 sound state. 



26. Peucaea aestivalis bachmanii. Bachman's Sparrow. — Early in 

 May, 18S7, I shot three specimens of this bird and saw two others. They 

 were in an old orchard of apple trees which were at that time in full 

 blossom. In the spring of 1SS9, while searching the wooded bottom 

 lands of Missouri just across the river from Quincv, I saw two others 

 which, from the note and appearance, must have been of this species, though 

 I was unable to obtain them. They were among scrub oaks and brush in 

 a clearing. This was between the 1st and 5th of May; the exact date was 

 not kept. 



27. Melospiza fasciata. Song Sparrow. — Common during migra- 

 tions, and a very few remain throughout the year. 



2S- Melospiza lincolni. Lincoln's Sparrow. — Found in considerable 

 numbers during the spring migrations about the first week in May. 

 Less abundant in fall, and more irregular in its occurrence here. 



29. Melospiza georgiana. Swamp Sparrow. — In the spring and 

 fall migrations this Sparrow is a common inhabitant of the bottom lands. 

 or wherever rank grass, weeds, and brush are found. They are most abun- 

 dant about the last of April, when all the marshes are full of them. 



30. Passerella iliaca. Fox Sparrow. — Common in spring and fall. 

 They arrive from the south by the middle of March, and often associate 

 with the Towhee, seeking the deepest thickets and brush heaps, particu- 

 larly in clearings where oak brush abounds. The song, which I have but 

 rarely heard, is truly beautiful. 



31. Pipilo erythrophthalmus, Towhee. — Abundant summer resident. 

 It arrives from the south early in March, and nesting begins by April 1. 

 I have found dozens of nests of this bird, from the middle of April until 

 the last of August, with fresh eggs, and at least two thirds of those ex- 

 amined contained Cowbirds' eggs. They are built on the ground or in 

 bushes near the ground. I have found them occasionally in roots or 

 grass hanging along creek banks, and in the tops of fallen trees. 



