230 REPORT OF NEW JERSEY STATE MUSEUM. 



found one July 8th, 1903, on Seven Mile Beach.. 1 A single bird was 

 shot at Cape May, July 6th, 1891, by Mr. F. D. Stone, Jr. 2 



This is a rather inconspicuous migrant, occurring in old fields where 

 it runs in the manner of the Grasshopper Sparrow, but in coloration 

 resembles more nearly the Song Sparrow. The shorter, more pointed 

 tail and yellow spot before the eye, however, serve to distinguish it. 



Its song is somewhat like that of the Grasshopper Sparrow, and has 

 been well given by Dr. Dwight, "tsip, tsip, tsip, se-e-e-sr-r-r." 



In winter I have found the Savannah Sparrow literally swarming on 

 the low swamp land about Cape May, and doubtless it winters at other 

 points along the coast. 



546 Ammodramus savannarum australis Maynard. 

 Grasshopper Sparrow. 



Adults. Length, 5. Wing, 2.50. Upper parts, mingled blackish and rusty 

 brown, with gray and buff edgings to the feathers ; head, dusky, with a median 

 buff stripe ; a spot of yellow in front of the eye ; under parts, white, with the 

 breast and sides buff ; a few of the feathers with brown shaft lines. 



Young in first summer. Similar, but buff tints more prominent above ; under 

 surface with whole breast and sides streaked with dusky. 



Nest of grass placed on the ground ; eggs, four to five, pearly-white, spotted 

 rather sparingly with brown, .72 x .55. 



Common summer resident. Arrives April 21st (April 28th), de- 

 parts October 20th. 



The Grasshopper Sparrow is a bird of the dry upland field, easily 

 overlooked as it is conspicuous neither in dress nor in song. Xear the 

 nest the male will perch on a weed stalk, like the Henslow's Sparrow, 

 and utter his insignificant song, "tick, tick z-z-z-z-z-z-zz," resembling, 

 more than anything else, the noise made by one of our large green grass- 

 hoppers. At other times they remain on the ground searching for food 

 among the grass, occasionally mounting a fence post to sing. Once 

 heard this song is readily recognized as it has penetrating qualities 

 that carry it for long distances. 



1 Auk, 1906, p. 340. 



2 Birds of E. Pa. and N. J., p. 113. 



