JUNCO. 145 



glance at Ms 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- 



Piate XL viii. monest and most generally distributed. 

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

 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 

 chew-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 Junco'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. 



