LINCOLN SPARROW. 



583. Melospiza lincolnii. 5% inches. 



Upper parts extensively brown and black; breast and 

 sides bright buff with fine black streaks. 



These flinches are quite abundant in the West, especial- 

 ly during migrations, but are rather uncommon in the 

 eastern states. Their habits are similar in some respects 

 to both those of the Song Sparrow and of the Grass- 

 hopper Sparrow. They are very lively at all times and 

 in the mating season quite pugnacious. They sit for 

 minutes at a time upon the top of a bush pouring forth 

 their melody, and they have one of the most brilliant 

 songs of any of the family. 



Song 1 . Loud, clear and gurgling, after the style of 

 the house Wren; call, a metallic chirp. 



Nest. Of grass, on the ground, in tufts of grass or 

 under small shrubs; eggs pale greenish white, heavily 

 marked with chestnut ( .80 x .58 ) . 



Range. X. A., breeding from northern U. S. to 

 Labrador and Alaska; winters in southern half of U. S. 



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