JUNCO, 145 
glance at his 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- 
Janco, ter visitants. Of the latter the Junco 
Junco hyemalis. or Slate-colored Snowbird is the com- 
Plate XLVIIL =~ 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 isa link between us and Nature. 
