ioo THE BIRDS ABOUT Us. 



There should be a small tree or two scattered about, 

 for the elevated perch with a commanding outlook 

 is almost needed to induce our little favorite to put 

 forth his best efforts. 



The Field-sparrow comes early and stays late, 

 and not a very small percentage have of late omitted 

 the migratory flight. In May they build pretty little 

 nests, usually just off the ground, and in Central 

 New Jersey raise two broods. 



Those that migrate do so in loose flocks, and, 

 associated with chippies, remain in companies until 

 it is time to return to their proper homes, their sum- 

 mer nesting- and resting-places. 



In various parts of the country there are snow- 

 birds that are peculiar to the areal limits they visit. 

 Ridgway mentions seven and some varieties. Some 

 of these are more elaborately marked than others, 

 though none are brightly colored. All are lively, 

 sociable little birds, and as a class are fond of each 

 other's company, and wander in loose flocks, often 

 containing a large number of individuals. 



The Snow-bird " breeds from Northern New Eng- 

 land northward, and on the higher hills south to 

 North Carolina. It is an 

 abundant summer resident" 

 of Eastern Canada. "The 

 song is very similar to that 

 of the Chipping Sparrow." 

 Snow-bird It usually places its nest upon 



the ground. My own im- 

 pression of the song is that it is sweeter and more 

 elaborate than that of the chippy. On April 6, 1 879, 1 



