THE BIRDS OF WAYNE COUNTY. 



311 



118. Spizella socialis (WILS.). 

 Chipping Sparrow. 



An abundant summer resident. The first week in April is its usual time of ar- 

 rival, but in 1894 it was first seen on March 21. It has not been observed later than 

 October 16, and is sometimes apparently absent early in this month. 



Nest-building is commonly begun during the first part of May, and birds have 

 been seen carrying nest material as early as April 26 (1891). The latest date on 

 which a nest with eggs has been observed is July 10 (1892). Where such are available 

 the Chipping Sparrow seems to prefer for breeding purposes orchard trees or small 

 ornamental evergreens, the nest being usually placed not more than twelve feet from 

 the ground. Apparently two broods are ordinarily reared : four eggs, sometimes 

 three, constitute the first complement; while three eggs, or not infrequently only two r 

 is the number common during the latter part of the season. 



Two nests measure as follows : 



In autumn this species often collects into small flocks, frequenting then the fence- 

 rows, thickets and the dryer portions of the swamps, at times associating with various- 

 species of Sparrows (including the ubiquitous Passer domesticus} and also occasion- 

 ally with the Bluebird. 



During June and July the Chipping Sparrow is often heard singing after dark y 

 especially before midnight; and it is in spring one of the earliest singers of the 

 morning. On May 22, 1890, it was first heard at 3 :2O A. M. 



119. Spizella pusilla (WILS.). 

 Field Sparrow. 



A summer resident ; abundant. It appears generally during the first week in. 

 April, sometimes as early as March 25 (1894), and disappears commonly before the 

 middle of October, the latest date on which it has been noted being October 16 

 (1891). 



In spring and summer it is to be found chiefly in the fields on the uplands, then 

 not in flocks ; but in the fall it often in small companies frequents regularly also the 

 thickets and weed-patches of the creek bottoms. During the latter season it asso- 

 ciates commonly with the Chipping Sparrow, and also, though apparently less fre- 

 quently, with several other species of Fringillidcz. 



The present species breeds during May and June, along fence-rows, in thickets, 

 on the edges of woodland, and in the vicinity of human dwellings ; placing its nests 

 usually in low bushes, often in those of the common wild blackberry (Rubiis villosus). 



The Field Sparrow sings from the time of its arrival until the latter part of 

 July, not having been heard in song later than July 30 (1893).' 



