322 NESTS AND EGGS OF 



eggs of M.fasciata on the contrary, as a rule have smaller markings and 

 much more distinct ones, while the clouded effect of those of M. 

 georgiana is entirely wanting. A series in Mr. Norris' cabinet show great 

 variation in size and coloring, but in only one set is the clouding of 

 the markings wanting. A set of four containing the largest eggs give 

 the following measurements: . Sox. 56, .81 x .56 . Sox. 57, .Sox. 57; 

 another set (five eggs) measure respectively : .72 x .58, .74 x .59, .71 x. 57, 

 73X.58, -74X.56. 



585. Passerella iliaca ( MERR.) [ 235.] 



Fox Sparrow. 



Hab. Northern North America, breeding north of the United States; in winter south over the 

 whole of the Eastern United States to the Gulf coast. 



The Fox-colored Sparrow is one of the largest and finest of its 

 tribe. Breeds from the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Labrador north 

 into Alaska. It is met with in Eastern United States during the 

 spring, fall and in winter. 



The Fox Sparrow in its summer home is said to be a charming 

 songster, possessing a clear thrush-like song of exquisite melody, 

 fairly rivaling the warblings of the ablest feathered performers in the 

 sweetness and purity of tone and beauty of expression. Audobon met 

 with it breeding in Labrador, and found its eggs from the middle of 

 June to the 5th of July. It also breeds in Newfoundland. Nests of 

 this species were, according to the reports of Mr. MacFarlane and Mr. 

 Kennicott, found in trees and on the ground in the Arctic regions. 

 Mr. W. H. Ball obtained the eggs on the Yukon river in Alaska, 

 and the birds were very abundant at the mouth of this river in July 

 and also at St. Michael's. Mr. Maynard found this species nesting 

 on the Magdalen Islands. According to these observers the nests 

 are, for the most part, placed on the ground, usually concealed by the 

 drooping branches of evergreens. They are composed of grass and 

 moss, lined with fine grass and feathers. The eggs are four or five, 

 pale bluish-green, speckled, spotted and blotched with reddish-brown, 

 or uniform chocolate-brown ; size .93 x .65. 



585. Passerella iliaca unalaschcensis (GMEL.) [2350.] 



Townsend's Sparrow. 



Hab. Pacific coast region, from Kadiak south in winter to Southern California. 



This bird breeds north of the United States from British Col- 

 umbia north to Kadiak and coast Alaska, west to Unalaschka Islands. 

 It has been found breeding on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, in 

 May and June, and at St. Michaels, Alaska. In its habits it is said to 

 be shy and retiring, frequenting the tangled thickets and brush-piles. 

 In these its nest is built, commonly a few inches above the ground. 



