i8o PASSERES : Perching Birds 



NEVADA SAVANNAH SPARROW See Appendix. 



(542d. Passerculus sandwichensis nevadensis) 5| in. 



BELDING SPARROW 



(543. Passerculus beldingi) 5| in. 



Very similar to the Savannah Sparrow, but darker through- 

 out. Streakings, above and below, black instead of dusky or 

 brownish; superciliary line indistinct, front portion yellow. 



Not always identifiable in the field by color or markings. Its 

 salt-marsh habitat, however, identifies it except in winter, when 

 its haunts are sometimes invaded by Savannah Sparrows. 



LARGE-BILLED SPARROW 



(544. Passerculus rostratus rostratus) 5 in. 



Light gray-brown above; white below, gray-brown-streaked 

 except throat and belly. Large bill. 



Much lighter throughout than the Belding or Savannah 

 Sparrows, and with no distinctive markings. 



Familiar in habit, feeding often about buildings on ocean 

 beach or near salt-marsh areas. 



A subspecies, the San Lucas Sparrow (544a. P. r. guttatus), 

 more definitely marked, occurs with the Large-bill and is not 

 distinguishable from it in the field. 



WESTERN GRASSHOPPER SPARROW 



(546a. Ammodramus savannarum bimaculatus) 5 in. 



Back a rather puzzling mixture of black, gray, buffy, and 

 chestnut, the last predominating; buffy median crown-stripe, 

 between black lateral stripes; clear buffy under parts, whitening 

 on belly. 



Song more insect-like than bird-like. Flight like that of a 

 Quail (former generic name Coturniculus meaning "Little 

 Quail"). 



Habitually hides or runs through grass when disturbed, hence 

 is seldom seen. 



