468 HISTORY OF THE 



These hardy little birds are at home in the winter storms. 

 They frequent the edges of the woods and borders of fields and 

 open lowlands. A rather timid bird, that only seeks the abode 

 of man when the ground is covered with snow. Hunger then 

 overcomes fear, and they become a familiar bird about the yards 

 and stables, hopping nimbly about among the cattle and poultry, 

 and eagerly picking up the crumbs and seeds scattered in the 

 door yards; returning to their haunts as the snow melts away, 

 if not as wild, as timid as ever, darting into cover at the slight- 

 est disturbance, but quickly returning, as if forgetful of the 

 scare. They associate together in small flocks, except during 

 the mated season, but are of rather a quarrelsome nature, and 

 not a real social, happy group. When at rest, they perch in the 

 bushes and trees near the ground, rarely ever flying into the 

 tall tree tops. Their usual chip call note sounds much like that 

 of the Chipping Sparrow. In the early spring, as the warm 

 weather awakens the passions of love, the males begin to think 

 of mating, and rattle off a rather low, pleasing song. They are 

 not constant singers, their voice being seldom heard except in 

 the morning and during the early breeding season. 



Their nests are placed in a depression in the ground, under 

 logs and in various sheltered situations. I found a nest in Nova 

 Scotia, under an upturned root of a tree. They are also said 

 to occasionally nest in low bushes. Their nests are made of 

 dry grasses, strippings from plants, and hairs, sometimes lined 

 with fine grasses, bits of moss, etc. Eggs usually four or five, 

 .75x.58; whitish to bluish green, speckled and blotched chiefly 

 about the larger end with dark reddish brown and lilac; in form, 

 oval. 



Junco hyemalis oregonus (TOWNS.). 



OREGON JUNCO. 

 PLATE XXVIIL 



Winter sojourner; rare in the eastern, quite common in the 

 middle and western part of the State. Leave in March; return 

 late in October. 



B. 352. K. 218. C. 263. G. 112, 233. U. 567a. 

 HABITAT. Pacific coast of North America; breeding from the 

 higher mountains of Southern California north to Sitka; in 



