SWAMP SPARROW. 



584. Melospiza, georgiana. 5% inches. 



Forehead black; crown chestnut with a gray median 

 stripe; whole tipper parts very dark; under parts gray- 

 ish with brown sides. 



A very quiet and unobtrusive species that dwells, as 

 its name implies, chiefly in swamps. They creep about 

 under the rank weeds and underbrush like so many mice; 

 they are especially fond of the soft mires where walking 

 is so difficult for human beings; they patter around on 

 the soft mud with evident enjoyment, occasionally walk- 

 ing across an open space of water on what floating 

 debris they may find available. 



Song. A feeble chant; call, a sharp metallic cheep. 



Nest. Of grasses, on the ground in damp places; 

 four or five eggs, having a pale greenish-blue color heav- 

 ily blotched and clouded with shades of brown ( .80 x .55) . 



Range. N. A. east of the Plains, breeding from 

 New Jersey and Missouri north to Labrador and Hud- 

 son Bay; winters in southern half of the U. S. 



100 



