THE BIRDS OF WAYNE COUNTY. 313 



of this species seems to be of remarkable variability. Within a week's time the 

 writer once identified some fifteen distinct songs, with almost endless variations; and 

 the repertoire was apparently not then even approximately exhausted. Striking in- 

 dividuality was in some cases evinced, both in the quality as well as in the character 

 of the music; the different birds being observed morning after morning at the same 

 places along the road, singing so nearly the same songs that it became to a degree 

 possible to recognize the several individuals by their peculiarities. Although strictly 

 speaking a slight uncertainty might exist in rggard to the fact of their being really 

 the same birds which were heard thus day after day from particular fence posts or 

 telegraph poles, as the case might be, yet the circumstances were such as to remove 

 all reasonable doubt of their identity. 



122. Melospiza georgiana (LATH.). 

 Swamp Sparrow. 



A rare spring and fall transient, frequenting the swamps, marshes and water- 

 courses. The writer has for this species but three records, which are as follows : 

 October 5, 1890; May 3, 1891 ; and May 10, 1891 ; two individuals having been ob- 

 served on each of these dates. It is perhaps of more frequent occurrence than is 

 thus indicated, since it is given by Wheaton 1 as a common transient visitor. 



GENUS PASSERELLA SWAINSON. , 



123. Passerella iliaca (MERR.). 

 Fox Sparrow. 



A tolerably common transient visitor from March 18 to April 12, and from Oc- 

 tober 19 to October 31. It is observed chiefly in the undergrowth of wooded banks, 

 and in thickets, particularly those on the borders of woodland. It moves often in 

 small loose flocks ; and occasionally associates with Tree Sparrows. 



GENUS PIPILO VIEILLOT. 



124. Pipilo erythrophthalmus (LINN.). 

 Towhee; Chew ink. 



A common summer resident. The dates of its spring arrival range from March 

 18 (1894) to April 6 (1890) ; the male generally appearing a few days in advance of 

 the female. It usually disappears soon after the middle of October, the latest date 

 on which it has been observed being October 25 (1891). 



This species may be found in the thickets of both the uplands and the bottoms, 

 and also, though rather exceptionally, in the vicinity of human dwellings. Some- 

 times during the migrations it is seen in scattered companies of four or five individ- 

 uals ; but is seldom accompanied by birds of another species. 



The breeding season is in May and June. The nest is occasionally found in a low 

 bush ; and not infrequently contains eggs of the Cowbird. 



The Towhee may be heard in song soon after its arrival, and until the latter part 

 of July, though it does not sing so steadily during this month. The date of latest 

 song noted is /uly 27 (1893). 



1 Geological Survey of Ohio IV, 1882, p. 330. 



