972 KEPORT OF STATE GEOLOGIST. 



Length, 6.20-7.50; wing, 3.30-3.70; tail, 2.80-3.15. 



EANGE. Eastern North America, from the Gulf States to Alaska 

 and the Arctic Coast. Breeds from the mouth of the St. Lawrence 

 Eiver and Manitoba north. Winters from southern Indiana and Vir- 

 ginia south. 



Nest, on ground or in bush, or low tree; of grass, rootlets and moss, 

 lined with hair and feathers. Eggs, 4 to 5; pale bluish, evenly speckled 

 or heavily blotched with umber or vinaceous-brown; .80 by .63. 



Bill of Fox Sparrow. 



This large, trim, fox-colored Sparrow appears to be an aristocrat 

 among his fellows. They are common migrants during March and 

 April, and October and November. Mild winters some are winter resi- 

 dents in the extreme southern part of the State, and others remain 

 all but a few weeks in the lower Whitewater Valley and, perhaps, 

 farther north. The winter of 1888-9 they remained all winter at 

 Vincennes (Balmer). Mild winters they remain most of the winter in 

 Putnam County (Clearwaters). The extreme records of first arrival 

 are: Brookville, February 16, 1881, April 1, 1885; Spearsville, March 

 6, 1894, and 1897, March 13, 1895; Bicknell, March 7, 1897, April 

 5, 1896; Lafayette, March 6, 1894, March 28, 1896; Wabash, March 

 11, 1894; Sedan, March 30, 1897, April 18, 1896; Chicago, 111., March 

 18, 1893, April 1, 1897. Most have passed north before the last of 

 April and are rarely found in early May. Bloomington, April 20, 

 1895; Spearsville, April 19, 1895; Laporte, May 1, 1896; Eichmond, 

 May 4, 1897, are extremely late dates. They are retiring birds, fre- 

 quenting thickets, brier patches and brush piles, where they are asso- 

 ciated with Towhees and Cardinals. Like the former, they spend 

 much time upon the ground scratching among the leaves. They are 

 on good terms with the Juncos, and when they visit their homes as- 

 sociate with them. They pass northward ahead of the Juncos and go 

 farther north to breed. With us the Fox Sparrow utters a sharp 

 tchep. It is said to have a clear, loud, melodious voice, and to sing 

 a sweet song, which I have never heard, but hope to some spring, as 

 they should occasionally give us a foretaste of the musical treat that 



