284 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS. 



"Specimens vary somewhat in having the streaks across the 

 breast more or less sparse, the spot more or less distinct. In au- 

 tumn the colors are more blended, the light maxillary stripe tinged 

 with yellowish, the edges of the dusky streaks strongly suffused 

 with brownish rufous. 



"The young bird has the upper parts paler, the streaks more 

 distinct; the lines on the head scarcely appreciable. The under 

 parts are yellowish ; the streaks narrower and more sharply denned 

 dark brown." (Hist. N. Am. B.) 



While the Song Sparrow breeds in the extreme northern part of 

 Illinois, it is known in the more southern portions only as a winter 

 resident. This is somewhat remarkable, since along the Atlantic 

 coast it is one of the most abundant summer residents throughout 

 Maryland and Virginia, in the same latitudes as southern Illinois. 

 The writer has elsewhere (Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. Vol. XVI., 

 1874, p. 9) called attention to this fact, as follows: 



"In southern Iowa, according to Mr. Trippe (Proc. Boston Soc. 

 Nat. Hist., Oct., 1872, p. 237), the Song Sparrow is 'abundant in 

 spring and fall, but not observed to breed. Shy and retiring, a 

 complete contrast to the eastern Song Sparrow.' In southern Illi- 

 nois this is also the case, the species being there a winter sojourner, 

 abundant, but very retiring, inhabiting almost solely the bushy 

 swamps in the bottom-lands, and unknown as a song bird. The same 

 are also probably its habits throughout Illinois and the adjacent 

 districts. This is a remarkable instance of variation in habits with 

 longitude of one geographical race, since in the Atlantic States it 

 breeds abundantly, as far south at least as the parallel of 38, and 

 is besides one of the most familiar of the native birds." 



As far north at least as Wabash, Lawrence, and Eichland coun- 

 ties, in this State, the Song Sparrow makes its appearance in the 

 fall along with the White-throated and Swamp Sparrows, and re- 

 mains all winter in company with these and other species, depart- 

 ing with them in the spring. I have there heard its song but on 

 two or three occasions, and then only in the spring, just before 

 they took their departure.* 



The song of this bird, although sufficiently fine to attract atten- 

 tion, is by no means equal to that of many other species of its 



* Since the above was written, Mr. J. A. Balmer, of Paris, Edgar county, has informed 

 me that the Song Sparrow is a not uncommon summer resident of that vicinity, and has 

 sent a nest and eggs, obtained in his garden, to prove the correctness of his identification. 



