Family Fringilli dee Swamp Sparrow 103 



November, and he has been known even to pass 

 the winter here. Although a common bird, he is 

 so retiring in his habits as to be little known. He 

 should be sought, as his name implies, in wet lands ; 

 and he prefers those overgrown with bushes. He 

 spends much of his time upon the ground, often 

 scratching among the leaves or wading in shallow 

 water. 



The nest is placed commonly in a tussock of 

 grass, but occasionally on a low bush. Eggs are 

 laid near the end of May, and there are usually two 

 sets. 



The song is said by Minot to resemble that of the 

 catbird. They have also a sweet, clear trill, often 

 heard in the spring, and a low warble. They sing 

 chiefly in the cooler hours, especially in the evening, 

 often continuing their music until it is almost dark. 

 In the region of New York there are two song- 

 periods : one beginning in late April, and continu- 

 ing until mid-August or early September ; and a 

 second extending from mid-September to early or 

 middle October. In this second period, song is by 

 no means general, and is confined to early morn- 

 ing, but is more varied and ambitious than in the 

 spring. 



