FOX SPARROW. 



327 



rank herbage of the marsh. Occasionally, during the excitement of 

 the mating season, a male will mount a bulrush and warble out his 

 not unpleasant song, but most of their time is spent in places which 

 .are difficult of access either by land or water, and therefore they are 

 seldom seen. 



This species is common during the breeding season throughout 

 Ontario and Manitoba. It was found in Labrador by Audubon, and 

 Richardson records its occurrence at Fort Simpson. 



They arrive from the south early in May and leave again in 

 October, none being observed during winter. 



GENUS PASSERELLA SWAINSON. 

 PASSERELLA ILIACA (MERE.). 



237. Fox Sparrow. (585) 



General color,- ferruginous or rusty-red, purest and brightest on the rump, 

 tail and wings ; on the other upper parts appearing as streaks laid on an ashy 

 ground ; below, white, variously but thickly marked, except on the belly and 

 crissum, with rusty red ; the markings anteriorly in the form of diffuse confluent 

 blotches, on the breast and sides consisting chiefly of sharp sagittate spots and 

 pointed streaks ; tips of middle and greater coverts forming two whitish 

 wing bars ; under mandible, dark ; lower, mostly yellow ; feet, pale. Length, 

 #1-7^ ; wing and tail, each 3 or more. 



