JUNCO. 145 



glance at his short, stout bill at once shows his family rela- 

 tionships, and you should have no difficulty in identifying 

 him as the Fox Sparrow. 



A month later he will leave us for his summer home 

 in the far North, but in October and November his 

 ringing notes may again be heard as he pauses a day or 

 two on his journey southward. 



After the Fox Sparrows go, our bird-life is reduced to 

 its winter elements that is, permanent residents and win- 

 Junco, * er visitants. Of the latter the Junco 



junco hyemaiis. or Slate-colored Snowbird is the com- 

 monest and most generally distributed. 

 Although we call this bird a winter visitant, he is with 



O ' 



us nearly eight months in the year, arriving late in Sep- 

 tember and remaining until early May. 



The Junco is one of the birds whose acquaintance can 

 be easily made. His suit of slaty gray, with its low-cut 

 vest of white, is not worn by any other of our birds ; and 

 while some species show white outer tail-feathers in flight, 

 the Junco' s seem to be more than usually conspicuous. 



Except when nesting, Juncos associate in loose flocks 

 of from ten to fifty. Generally you will find them feed- 

 ing on the ground near evergreens, into which, when dis- 

 turbed, they will fly with a twittering note. If they are 

 excited by your appearance you will hear a sharp, kissing 

 call ; but if unalarmed they will utter a rapidly repeated 

 cheiv -chew -chew, expressive of the utmost contentment. 

 In March and April, before leaving for their summer 

 home in northern New England or the crests of the 

 Alleghanies and Catskills, the Juncos sing a simple trill 

 or low, twittering warble. Modest in manner and attire, 

 there is nothing of especial interest in the J unco's habits, 

 and only bird-lovers can understand what a difference his 

 presence makes in a winter landscape. It brings a sense 

 of companionship ; it is a link between us and Nature. 



