OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 273 



Although this Sparrow affects a fondness for low, 

 humid grounds, yet it nidificates invariably in dry 

 and usually slightly elevated places. The nest is 

 generally sunk into the ground and built of grasses, 

 loosely arranged and lined with softer materials 

 of the same. Dr. Brewer says this species is 

 particularly wary and mistrustful when with nest. 

 Both birds according to the same author incubate 

 alternately, but one when not thus occupied re- 

 mains within hailing distance, and by a given 

 signal reminds the other of the approach of 

 danger, when the latter glides out of the nest and 

 runs along the ground like a mouse. 



The eggs are five or six in number, rounded- 

 oval, with one end more acuminate than the other. 

 They are partially covered with reddish-brown 

 blotches upon a greenish-white ground-work; 

 the blotches being more numerous and confluent 

 about the larger extremity, constituting a corona. s 

 In others, in addition to the above, the ground- 

 color is almost obscured by fine ferruginous dots. 

 They measure .67 of an inch in length, and .54 in 

 breadth. 



During its autumnal migration this species is 

 seldom observed; but when it is seen, it is a deni- 

 zen of low, humid grounds where it subsists upon 

 the seeds of graminaceous plants, asters, solidagos, 

 and divers small insects which are occupants of 

 such localities. 



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