THE TREE SPARROW. 179 



in picking up those of noxious weeds. Mr. Cordeaux, 

 who examined several shot in January, found their 

 crops and gizzards full of the seeds of the great 

 plantain (Plantago major). 



Although, to a casual observer, there may appear 

 to be a close resemblance between the Tree Sparrow 

 and the House Sparrow, the former may always be 

 distinguished from the latter by its chestnut-coloured 

 head, more slender bill, and a triangular patch of 

 black on each cheek. 



There is another respect in which this bird 

 differs from its congener. The plumage in both 

 sexes is alike, and the young also exhibit the same 

 markings in their first feathers, as shown in the 

 accompanying vignette. 



