SWAMP SPAEROW. 



584. Melospiza georgiana. 5 



inches. 



Forehead black; crown chestnut with a gray me- 

 dian stripe; whole upper parts very dark; under parts 

 grayish with brown sides. 



A very quiet and unobtrusive species, that dwells, 

 as its name implies, chiefly in swamps. They creep 

 about under the rank weeds and underbrush like so 

 many mice; they are especially fond of the soft mires 

 where walking is so difficult for human beings; they 

 patter around on the soft mud with evident enjoy- 

 ment, occasionally walking across an open space of 

 water on what floating debris they may find available. 



Song. A feeble chant; call, a sharp metallic cheep. 



Nest. Of grasses, on the ground in damp places; 

 four or five eggs, having a pale greenish blue color 

 heavily blotched and clouded with shades of brown 

 (.801.55). 



Range. N. A. east of the Plains, breeding from 

 New Jersey and Missouri north to Labrador and Hud- 

 son Bay; winters in southern half of the U. S. 



