IO4 Land Birds of New England 



52. SONG SPARROW (Melospiza fasciata.) 



Upper parts gray, streaked with brown and black ; under parts 

 grayish white, thickly marked on breast and sides of belly with 

 distinct blackish brown spots, some of which usually run to- 

 gether to- form a larger one in the centre of the breast. Beak 

 conical, brown ; feet light brown. Bird a little smaller than an 

 English sparrow. Sexes similar. 



THIS charming, abundant, and well-known song- 

 ster- comes to us about the middle of March, and 

 lingers until late October. Not infrequently he 

 spends the entire year in this region, although his 

 increased shyness through the winter months ren- 

 ders him less familiar at that season. He may be 

 sought especially on low ground, in. the neighbor- 

 hood of streams or other water. He is often on 

 the ground, and when perched is usually not very 

 far above it. In fall he associates with other birds 

 of his own and other kinds, and is then often to be 

 found upon dryer ground. 



The nest is placed on the ground or in a low 

 bush. Eggs are laid early in May, and there are 

 two or even three broods. To accomplish this task 

 in the limited time at their disposal, the male often 

 builds the nest for a new brood while his mate is 

 still caring for the present babies. 



The song is most readily recognized from its re- 



