OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, 277 



irregularly distributed. In some portions of New 

 Jersey it is a very common species, while in East- 

 ern Pennsylvania it is found in limited numbers' 

 We have never known it to nidificate within the 

 confines of Philadelphia. It is a migrant and ap- 

 pears with the chipping-sparrow during the last 

 of April, or the beginning of May. 



tit is extremely partial to low sandy fields du ring- 

 its brief sojourn, and is mainly found upon the 

 ground like the subject of the last sketch, search- 

 ing for the seeds and insects upon which it subsists. 

 Occasionally we have found it upon small bushes 

 and weeds, but never upon trees even of moderate 

 growth. 



From the manner of its occurrence we are led 

 to infer that it is not gregarious. It is sometimes 

 found associated with the field and other sparrows, 

 but this association is doubtless purely accidental. 



Though mainly restricted to rural districts, and 

 seldom if ever visiting the haunts of man, it may 

 be presumed in the absence of evidence per contra, 

 to be a shy and timid creature. Though ex- 

 tremely unobstrusive in its manners, it manifests, 

 however, a confidential mien, and can be ap- 

 proached without displaying a shadow of fear or 

 alarm. 



The song of this species is short and feeble, and 

 bears a marked resemblance to that of a grass- 

 hopper. It lacks variety and expression, and may 

 be well characterized as an "unmusical ditty" in 

 the language of Audubon. 



