SONG SPARROW. 



581. Melospiza cinerea melodia. 6% inches. 



This is probably the best known, most abundant, 

 and most widely distributed (in it numerous sub- 

 species) of all our birds. They are quite hardy and 

 many of them winter in the northern states, but the 

 majority go farther south, returning to their summer 

 homes about the first of March. They may be found 

 anywhere, where there are bushes, vines or hedges, 

 and very often about houses, even in large cities. 



Song. Very pleasing and musical, strongly resemb- 

 ling brilliant measures from that of the canary. 



Nest. Of grass, either on the ground or in bushes; 

 three to five bluish white eggs, profusely spotted with 

 brown (.80 x .58). 



Range. Eastern N. A., breeding from Virginia and 

 Missouri north to southern Canada. Winters from 

 Mass, and Ohio southward. Many local races are 

 found west of the Rockies, but only one east of there; 

 581j. Dakota Song Sparrow (juddi) is found in the 

 vicinity of Turtle Mountains, North Dakota; it is said 

 to be lighter above and brighter below. 



