LXVII 



SONG SPABKOW; SILVER-TONGUE 

 581. Melospiza melodia melodia 



To many casual observers, any small bird of a gray- 

 ish color streaked with chestnut is a Sparrow, and all 

 Sparrows are the same. Of all species of Sparrows only 

 a very few nest in the central part of the United States, 

 while many breed within the Arctic Circle, and we see 

 them only as migrants and winter sojourners. (Fig. 

 102.) 



The Song Sparrow is one of the most beautiful of 

 Sparrows and its songs are delightful. With its yellow- 

 ish-white bill and six-inch coat of gray and chestnut 

 blotches, the male is one of the handsomest of all its kind. 

 It is a rather sociable and confiding bird, with a fondness 

 for brushy hillsides. Even when disturbed it rarely flies 

 far but, alighting in the underbrush, re-makes its appear- 

 ance, through curiosity, on the top of some shrub. These 

 birds are frequent winter residents near Kansas City, 

 Missouri. They are often seen in small flocks in brush 

 heaps in newly cleared ground. Their flight is an undu- 

 lating one. 



The Song Sparrow nests on the ground near water, 

 and lays from four to five greenish-white sparsely 

 speckled eggs. 



On a cold winter 's day, when all of nature's wood- 

 land forces are grasped by the firm hand of the frost 

 king, if you should wander near a little patch of under- 

 brush when the sun bursts forth, you may be surprised 

 and delighted to hear near you the pleasing notes of this 

 winter visitor. Such thrills are carried by the song of 

 no summer resident. This little fluffy ball of feathers is 

 an artist and sings surrounded by conditions that ordi- 

 narily silence other songsters. With its medley the Song 

 Sparrow becomes enthused and enters into the concerts 

 as though it enjoyed them. Nothing seems to come amiss 

 to it. Who knows but that its songs are inspired by the 

 memories of its moss-covered trunda, its summer home 

 of the Far North. 



184 



