AMERICAN PIPIT OR TITLARK. 



697. Anthus pensilvanicus. &/2 inches. 



Grayish above, buffy below; outer tail feathers with 

 considerable white. 



These are Arctic birds that pass the winter in the 

 southern parts of the United States. We find them in 

 large flocks in cultivated fields and along roadsides 

 feeding upon seeds of the many weeds that grow there, 

 or the remains of wheat crops. They are quite shy 

 and quick to take wing if anyone appears. They fly 

 rapidly and in a compact body, uttering a sharp 

 whistle while they are upon the wing. Sometimes 

 they go but a short distance before suddenly dropping 

 to the ground, and again they may circle around and 

 finally come back nearly to their starting point. 



Note. A sharp whistle uttered while in flight. 



Nest. On the ground; made of fine grass, moss and 

 hair; the four to six eggs are grayish with brownish 

 spots (.75x.58). 



Range. Breeds in Arctic regions and south in the 

 mountains to Colorado; winters in the southern states 

 and southward. 



