VESPER SPARROW. 



540. Prcecetes gramineus. 6 inches. 



The chestnut shoulders and white outer tail feathers 

 distinguish this from any other of our Sparrows. 



The name Vesper Sparrow is given this bird because 

 of its habit of tuning up along towards evening; it is 

 perhaps more often known as the "Bay-winged Sparrow" 

 or "Grass Finch." 



They are found chiefly in dry pastures or along dusty 

 roadsides, where they start from the ground in front of 

 us, their white tail feathers showing prominently as they 

 fly, so that there will be no mistake as to their identity. 



Song. A clear, ascending series of whistles, given 

 from a fence post or bush top ; call, a sharp chirp. 



Nest. Of grasses in weedy fields or pastures; four or 

 five whitish eggs marked and blotched with brownish 

 (.SOx.GO). 



Range. Eastern N. A. from Virginia to southern 

 Canada; winters in southern U. S. The similar Western 

 Vesper Sparrow (confinis) is found from the Plains to 

 the Pacific coast ranges. 



